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MetaWars #2
Changeling
The second in a new series by popular urban fantasy author Kelly Meding, about an X-Men-like group of young people with superpowers who must find a way to work together.
Five months ago, Dahlia Perkins was a struggling newspaper journalist whose biggest responsibility was paying her rent on time. After learning she has the ability to absorb and deflect massive amounts of heat and fire, Dahlia is struggling to find her place as the newest hero in an established team of former Rangers freelancing their abilities in post-Meta War Los Angeles.
The team’s first major case: two discarded human skins. One is a John Doe, the other was a janitor for Weatherfield R&D, a scientific research and development firm Dahlia once investigated—and she’s itching to investigate them again. The ability to use and shed another person’s skin isn’t a power any of them have encountered before, nor something any of their former Meta enemies possess. But when a third skin appears and one of Dahlia’s teammates is nearly killed by an assassin’s bullet, it’s clear someone else besides Weatherfield is targeting the Rangers—and their killer may not be Meta at all.
Five months ago, Dahlia Perkins was a struggling newspaper journalist whose biggest responsibility was paying her rent on time. After learning she has the ability to absorb and deflect massive amounts of heat and fire, Dahlia is struggling to find her place as the newest hero in an established team of former Rangers freelancing their abilities in post-Meta War Los Angeles.
The team’s first major case: two discarded human skins. One is a John Doe, the other was a janitor for Weatherfield R&D, a scientific research and development firm Dahlia once investigated—and she’s itching to investigate them again. The ability to use and shed another person’s skin isn’t a power any of them have encountered before, nor something any of their former Meta enemies possess. But when a third skin appears and one of Dahlia’s teammates is nearly killed by an assassin’s bullet, it’s clear someone else besides Weatherfield is targeting the Rangers—and their killer may not be Meta at all.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2012
About the author
Kelly Meding
27 books697 followersAlso writes as Kelly Meade: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 13, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Holy f*ck! Seriously, and in all honesty, those were the first two words out of my mouth when I finished this book. Thank goodness the kids weren’t around. But my aunt and uncle were. They just pretended they didn’t hear me and walked away. That was a good idea; I needed some time on my own to let things soak in a bit.
Changeling by Kelly Meding is the second book in her Meta Wars series and it is a non-stop-you-barely-have-time-to-breath sort of book. There are SO many twists that I totally lost count. And most of these twists are of the “whoa…” variety. I mean, where does Kelly come up with this stuff?! Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. I’m thinking that it’s not a pretty place in her head but boy is it ever full of crazy messed-up-in-the-very-best-way stuff. And I am so glad she chooses to share it with us.
In this series, each book is told from a different character’s point of view. That alone I find really cool. The first book, Trance, was about and told from Teresa/Trance’s perspective. Super heroes, and of course super villains, were everywhere a while back when suddenly they all lost their powers only to gain them once again out of the blue one day. Trance is about how the heroes and villains deal with receiving their powers and about how Teresa becomes leader of the good-guys. Changeling is told from Dahlia/Ember’s point of view. She didn’t have powers before – they just sort of showed up when the other Metas (good-guys with super powers) got theirs back. In this book we follow how she is adapting and what she learns about herself. Boy, do we ever.
I do like Dahlia quite a bit. She’s a little lost and a little awkward but she wants to be self-confident and sure of herself and her powers. Even though she can absorb heat and is good with fire, she seems completely real. She takes everything that she learns about herself really well. And trust me, she learns a boat load. She grows quite a bit in this book and her journey is nice to watch. As for what she is doing next…that is going to be interesting to see. I am assuming Kelly will be touching on that in the next book (which is going to be told from Ethan’s perspective).
All of the regulars that we meet in the first book are back of course. Teresa (love her), Gage (love him), Marco (love him), Renee (I really want to like her) and Marco (love him). There are also a slew of new characters that we meet in this installment and they all play a very important role in the story…and that’s all I am going to say about them. *grin*
One thing that I found Kelly did exceptionally well is what she did with the villain. At first, we think he is terrible and doing horrible things. We want him to hurt. Then we find out that he’s not that bad and that maybe there is a reason for what he is doing. Then she has us questioning whether or not he really even IS a villain. We think maybe he’s just misunderstood and deserves a fair chance like everyone else. I can’t tell you how many times I questioned my feelings for the villain while reading this. Kelly, really, you outdid yourself with this one.
I would go into the story a little more with you but really, there is just too much to tackle so I’m not even going to try. You just have to read it. Can you jump right into this one without having read the first book? I think so. But it really is neat to see how the characters deal with getting their powers back and how they come together as a group for one common goal and that’s all told in the first book. It’s a good read and very different from anything I’ve ever read. I mean, it’s about people with super powers! And it’s dark and edgy and gritty and is full of Kelly’s crazy imagination that I talked about earlier. The next book is going to be released through Simon and Schuster’s new Pocket Star venture that will specialize in Digital-First books. Tempest is due out in 2013.
I’m telling you, when I finished this book I went to my reading schedule and changed it around a bit so I can squeeze in a contemporary read. Changeling drained me completely…in an utterly wonderful way. It was impossible not to get immediately invested in this story, gripping you from page one. It made me think about what truly makes a villain and what truly makes a hero. Overall, this book left me on my a** but left me there knowing that I had just read one hell of a book.
Holy f*ck! Seriously, and in all honesty, those were the first two words out of my mouth when I finished this book. Thank goodness the kids weren’t around. But my aunt and uncle were. They just pretended they didn’t hear me and walked away. That was a good idea; I needed some time on my own to let things soak in a bit.
Changeling by Kelly Meding is the second book in her Meta Wars series and it is a non-stop-you-barely-have-time-to-breath sort of book. There are SO many twists that I totally lost count. And most of these twists are of the “whoa…” variety. I mean, where does Kelly come up with this stuff?! Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. I’m thinking that it’s not a pretty place in her head but boy is it ever full of crazy messed-up-in-the-very-best-way stuff. And I am so glad she chooses to share it with us.
In this series, each book is told from a different character’s point of view. That alone I find really cool. The first book, Trance, was about and told from Teresa/Trance’s perspective. Super heroes, and of course super villains, were everywhere a while back when suddenly they all lost their powers only to gain them once again out of the blue one day. Trance is about how the heroes and villains deal with receiving their powers and about how Teresa becomes leader of the good-guys. Changeling is told from Dahlia/Ember’s point of view. She didn’t have powers before – they just sort of showed up when the other Metas (good-guys with super powers) got theirs back. In this book we follow how she is adapting and what she learns about herself. Boy, do we ever.
I do like Dahlia quite a bit. She’s a little lost and a little awkward but she wants to be self-confident and sure of herself and her powers. Even though she can absorb heat and is good with fire, she seems completely real. She takes everything that she learns about herself really well. And trust me, she learns a boat load. She grows quite a bit in this book and her journey is nice to watch. As for what she is doing next…that is going to be interesting to see. I am assuming Kelly will be touching on that in the next book (which is going to be told from Ethan’s perspective).
All of the regulars that we meet in the first book are back of course. Teresa (love her), Gage (love him), Marco (love him), Renee (I really want to like her) and Marco (love him). There are also a slew of new characters that we meet in this installment and they all play a very important role in the story…and that’s all I am going to say about them. *grin*
One thing that I found Kelly did exceptionally well is what she did with the villain. At first, we think he is terrible and doing horrible things. We want him to hurt. Then we find out that he’s not that bad and that maybe there is a reason for what he is doing. Then she has us questioning whether or not he really even IS a villain. We think maybe he’s just misunderstood and deserves a fair chance like everyone else. I can’t tell you how many times I questioned my feelings for the villain while reading this. Kelly, really, you outdid yourself with this one.
I would go into the story a little more with you but really, there is just too much to tackle so I’m not even going to try. You just have to read it. Can you jump right into this one without having read the first book? I think so. But it really is neat to see how the characters deal with getting their powers back and how they come together as a group for one common goal and that’s all told in the first book. It’s a good read and very different from anything I’ve ever read. I mean, it’s about people with super powers! And it’s dark and edgy and gritty and is full of Kelly’s crazy imagination that I talked about earlier. The next book is going to be released through Simon and Schuster’s new Pocket Star venture that will specialize in Digital-First books. Tempest is due out in 2013.
I’m telling you, when I finished this book I went to my reading schedule and changed it around a bit so I can squeeze in a contemporary read. Changeling drained me completely…in an utterly wonderful way. It was impossible not to get immediately invested in this story, gripping you from page one. It made me think about what truly makes a villain and what truly makes a hero. Overall, this book left me on my a** but left me there knowing that I had just read one hell of a book.
August 23, 2012
I don't even know where to begin. I want to begin at the ending, because I am still shaking my head... kind of... stunned by how it all went down. I won't spoil you, of course, but I will say that never in a million years did I expect what happened in those last few chapters.
This is book two in Kelly Meding's MetaWars series, but the main character is no longer longer Trance. Dahlia, the newest member of the super-hero team has taken the lead role. The story is told from her first person POV.
It's been six months since the events of book one and the heroes-formerly-known-as-Rangers are setting up shop in an old mansion they're using as a home-base. Dahlia is still learning her powers and she still feels a little like an outsider in the group. They are trying to find their place in the world, helping the police where they can -- keeping humanity safer. Their latest case is a gruesome one. Someone is killing people and leaving only the husks of their victims behind. Something Bad happens early on that forces the team to pursue the killer without Trance.
Over and over, this book shocked me with the way things unfolded. I was prepared for several deaths. In fact, I remember thinking to myself that the series would end once Kelly Meding has finally finished killing off all the characters. But it really wasn't that simple. There is so much play about what makes a hero and what constitutes a villain. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason. Shades of grey. It made it hard to know even where my own loyalties lie. Meding made these characters straddle a very uncomfortable line, prompting me to feel both empathy and revulsion, along with my confusion, paranoia, whatever emotion makes your mouth hang open until you realize you look like an idiot.
There's a bit of romance here, but it's not as clearly defined as it was in Trance. There are all of these big emotions between Dahlia and Noah, but 1) not enough time passes for it to be believable for me and 2) there is not much in the way of outward expression of these feelings. (ie. No getting busy.) Yet I found myself rooting for them... then rooting against them... then rooting for them again. And then the end came and my head exploded.
I know you may be thinking to yourself, "Jen, this is the worst review you have ever written. It tells me nothing." At least, that is what I am thinking as I write it. Because I am so damn afraid of spoiling it. All I can say is that it was good. It took me on a crazy ride. I still have not recovered. And I'm very conflicted about the ending. I'd really like the circumstances to change in the next book.
Rating: B
This is book two in Kelly Meding's MetaWars series, but the main character is no longer longer Trance. Dahlia, the newest member of the super-hero team has taken the lead role. The story is told from her first person POV.
It's been six months since the events of book one and the heroes-formerly-known-as-Rangers are setting up shop in an old mansion they're using as a home-base. Dahlia is still learning her powers and she still feels a little like an outsider in the group. They are trying to find their place in the world, helping the police where they can -- keeping humanity safer. Their latest case is a gruesome one. Someone is killing people and leaving only the husks of their victims behind. Something Bad happens early on that forces the team to pursue the killer without Trance.
Over and over, this book shocked me with the way things unfolded. I was prepared for several deaths. In fact, I remember thinking to myself that the series would end once Kelly Meding has finally finished killing off all the characters. But it really wasn't that simple. There is so much play about what makes a hero and what constitutes a villain. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason. Shades of grey. It made it hard to know even where my own loyalties lie. Meding made these characters straddle a very uncomfortable line, prompting me to feel both empathy and revulsion, along with my confusion, paranoia, whatever emotion makes your mouth hang open until you realize you look like an idiot.
There's a bit of romance here, but it's not as clearly defined as it was in Trance. There are all of these big emotions between Dahlia and Noah, but 1) not enough time passes for it to be believable for me and 2) there is not much in the way of outward expression of these feelings. (ie. No getting busy.) Yet I found myself rooting for them... then rooting against them... then rooting for them again. And then the end came and my head exploded.
I know you may be thinking to yourself, "Jen, this is the worst review you have ever written. It tells me nothing." At least, that is what I am thinking as I write it. Because I am so damn afraid of spoiling it. All I can say is that it was good. It took me on a crazy ride. I still have not recovered. And I'm very conflicted about the ending. I'd really like the circumstances to change in the next book.
Rating: B
December 20, 2014
This is the second book in the MetaWars series by Kelly Meding. This book is told from the point of view of Dahlia Perkins, aka Ember. We were introduced to her in the first book, as a newly found Meta with the ability to absorb flames and heat. 6 months have passed since the ending of Trance and the former Rangers are working on putting together the house that they will be using as a base of operations. We find out that Dahlia has access to a trust fund set up by the father that she has never seen, as she was an illegitimate child. She uses this money to purchase and refurbish the large mansion and grounds that the team is living on. Currently, the team is also starting to work some small cases with the LAPD and starting to gain the trust of the local law enforcement agency.
It is during their first big case, called out to discuss what exactly happened to all the insides of a man left near a dumpster downtown that this book really gets going. All that is left of the gentleman is the outer skin, kind of like a slip cover. At first the team is afraid that it is the work of another Meta, but it is not a skill any of them had ever heard of before. The team finds out this is not the first such case and start looking into the background of the first man found. He was a janitor at a facility called Weatherfield. One that Dahlia is familiar with, as she investigated it during college and ended up graduating last in her class due to not able to substantiate claims she made about the facility.
During this time, Dahlia is also put in charge of hiring an electrical company to redo and update the team's base. She vaguely remembers going to high school with a student who's family were electricians and decides to start with them. Upon meeting Noah, the boy she once had a crush on, running the family business, Dahlia's feelings are rekindle and it looks like romance is in bloom. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem, in either situation.
I went into this book really hoping to love it as much as the first one. But I found that wasn't to be the case. First of all, the main character changed to Dahlia, and I hadn't really connected with her from the first book. Second, all the fun comic book action of the first one was hard to find in this second book. And finally, I just kept going "Say What?" due to the outlandish plot points. I know, I know, the series is about people who basically have super powers in a futuristic world that has been ravaged by their in-fighting. But it just felt like this second book took a sharp right turn away from where it was headed. There wasn't even a good resolution to the book. I finished reading it feeling, just "meh". I am giving it 2 stars on Goodreads. Such a disappointment from the first book, Trance.
It is during their first big case, called out to discuss what exactly happened to all the insides of a man left near a dumpster downtown that this book really gets going. All that is left of the gentleman is the outer skin, kind of like a slip cover. At first the team is afraid that it is the work of another Meta, but it is not a skill any of them had ever heard of before. The team finds out this is not the first such case and start looking into the background of the first man found. He was a janitor at a facility called Weatherfield. One that Dahlia is familiar with, as she investigated it during college and ended up graduating last in her class due to not able to substantiate claims she made about the facility.
During this time, Dahlia is also put in charge of hiring an electrical company to redo and update the team's base. She vaguely remembers going to high school with a student who's family were electricians and decides to start with them. Upon meeting Noah, the boy she once had a crush on, running the family business, Dahlia's feelings are rekindle and it looks like romance is in bloom. Unfortunately, things are not what they seem, in either situation.
I went into this book really hoping to love it as much as the first one. But I found that wasn't to be the case. First of all, the main character changed to Dahlia, and I hadn't really connected with her from the first book. Second, all the fun comic book action of the first one was hard to find in this second book. And finally, I just kept going "Say What?" due to the outlandish plot points. I know, I know, the series is about people who basically have super powers in a futuristic world that has been ravaged by their in-fighting. But it just felt like this second book took a sharp right turn away from where it was headed. There wasn't even a good resolution to the book. I finished reading it feeling, just "meh". I am giving it 2 stars on Goodreads. Such a disappointment from the first book, Trance.
July 17, 2012
Dahlia Perkins, also known by her Meta name Ember, is basically the proverbial new kid on the block with the Ranger Corps. She only recently discovered her powers, and is the newest recruit to the group. She has yet to find her place or her purpose, except for following Trance's lead. It has been six months since their showdown with Specter in the first book, Trance, and their biggest concerns lately are picking out new paint and light fixtures for their new headquarters. That all changes once Ember becomes the intended victim of a shooting, which temporarily takes out Trance and leaves the group without an immediate leader.
First thing you need to know about this book is that you won't read anything else out there like it. It is unique in its creativity. The series itself is compared to XMen, but it is so much more than that. The story was very reminiscent to me of the X-Files. There are some crazy twist and turns that will have you gasping. And don't get too attached to any one character, because Kelly Meding ain't afraid to take them away from you. I enjoyed the romance aspect of Changeling, as well, it is very unconventional and definitely not a prominent aspect of the story, but it adds clamorous tension, and I felt very connected to the hero. Just know this is not a romance story at all, this is all about the action!
Changeling is a GREAT book. The pace is full-force, the action never lets up, the story is super good and unique, the entire cast of characters are very compelling, and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. There are at least three moments where the story went BOOM! with its revelations. Changeling, and the MetaWars series in general is unlike anything else out there right now.
Events that occurred in the first book of the MetaWars series, Trance, do play a role in this book. While I don't think a reader would be entirely lost picking up here, I do most definitely recommend starting with the first book to get the full impact of Changeling.
First thing you need to know about this book is that you won't read anything else out there like it. It is unique in its creativity. The series itself is compared to XMen, but it is so much more than that. The story was very reminiscent to me of the X-Files. There are some crazy twist and turns that will have you gasping. And don't get too attached to any one character, because Kelly Meding ain't afraid to take them away from you. I enjoyed the romance aspect of Changeling, as well, it is very unconventional and definitely not a prominent aspect of the story, but it adds clamorous tension, and I felt very connected to the hero. Just know this is not a romance story at all, this is all about the action!
Changeling is a GREAT book. The pace is full-force, the action never lets up, the story is super good and unique, the entire cast of characters are very compelling, and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. There are at least three moments where the story went BOOM! with its revelations. Changeling, and the MetaWars series in general is unlike anything else out there right now.
Events that occurred in the first book of the MetaWars series, Trance, do play a role in this book. While I don't think a reader would be entirely lost picking up here, I do most definitely recommend starting with the first book to get the full impact of Changeling.
September 18, 2012
I'll be honest -- when I saw that this sequel would have a different narrator/central character than Trance, I lost a lot of interest in it, and really only started the thing since I'd already spent the $$ and had a mild dose of curiosity. Within 20 pages, though, I was in--hook, line, sinker, and probably even rod and reel.
The same fun, excitement and heart that characterized Trance, are fully present and accounted for in this installment. This is a great world that Meding has created for us, and I can't wait to get back to it.
The same fun, excitement and heart that characterized Trance, are fully present and accounted for in this installment. This is a great world that Meding has created for us, and I can't wait to get back to it.
July 13, 2014
Hate to sound geeky but this was a neat story, enjoyed learning more about the characters and once again thought the plot concepts were well executed.
October 23, 2017
Quite a few twists and turns that I wasn't immediately expecting which ultimately had me feeling rather satisfied. At first it was jarring jumping into a familiar world but in a different point of view, but I soon lost myself to the story and it no longer mattered.
July 26, 2013
I can't even remember when I last read the first in this series by Kelly Meding, so diving back into this one was a mite tricky. Luckily, it's one of those series that has a different character with each book, so I didn't really need all the backstory to Trance. Changeling was definitely an interesting development in the series and had quite a few shocks and surprises that I didn't expect so soon in a series.
Dahlia is the youngest member of the MetaHumans and everyone wants to protect her. Ethan treats her normally though and is a good friend. Marco was a good friend as well, but since he wanted more than friendship and Dahlia didn't, it kind of put a strain on their friendship. When trying to help the team out and get some new lights for their house they just bought, she runs into an old friend that she knew from high school before she moved. Noah runs his family business of light fixtures. The two seem to connect right away despite the years they've been apart.
I have to admit, I had a soft spot for Noah then. Having had too many friends move away in highschool and even years prior. Never saw them again, so when I see it happen in books there's a little envy involved, but coupled with happiness!
Things get serious though when Trance is shot during a press moment after a building caught fire and the Metas were called in. Dahlia was there at the time and feels terrible for Trance. It's touch and go on whether she'll pull through, but doctors are hopeful. This is when the story really kicks off, as Dahlia learns more about the going ons than she ever really wanted to. Starting with that Noah isn't quite who he says he is and thus begins the start of all the lies.
As Dahlia tries to unravel the lies and the mysteries she discovers quite a bit about Noah and who he works with. Although, I can't help but feel there are still so many unanswered questions. Especially where Dahlia is concerned as the ending does leave you wondering about this and that and a bit more! Like who the mysterious villain is that gets mentioned a few times but then that's the end of it. I have a feeling he or she might pop up again later and possibly was even in the first book but can't be sure since it's been so long since I read it last.
The pacing to this one was pretty good, all things considered! It had a bumpy start that was still somewhat interesting, but not nearly as exciting. But the action really picks up once Trance is shot and in the hospital and the dominoes start to fall. It's hard to know who to trust in this one because the enemy like to deceive the heroes and heroines. It's not always easy to tell when someone isn't who they say they are. And I will leave you with that bit of vagueness to delve on how you wish!
There was a bit of romance in this one, but not much. Dahlia and Noah start to rekindle some feelings felt from highschool, but once the lies start to come forth, not much else happens between them. And yet, there are still feelings. I couldn't quite understand why Dahlia still felt something for Noah despite the lies he told. I am not a fan of liars myself. But Noah did try to do some redeeming amidst the lies, so it was kind of hard to completely hate him.
As I mentioned the ending leaves a lot to be desired. I wasn't quite sure if it was a contented ending or not. So much happened and so much is still left unresolved. I guess I might just have to keep reading this series to find out what else happens to these heroes despite each book containing a different narrator/hero/heroine. But as in this one, we got a little info about what was going on in Trance's life after her story was told. So who knows what might happen, maybe in the next one I'll learn of Dahlia's fate.
Overall Rating 3.75/5 stars--yes I know, another awkward rating. I hate doing these but I can't in good sense give it a 3.5 because it was better than that, and yet the ending just left me with too many questions to condone a 4 star rating either. So awkward rating it is!
Dahlia is the youngest member of the MetaHumans and everyone wants to protect her. Ethan treats her normally though and is a good friend. Marco was a good friend as well, but since he wanted more than friendship and Dahlia didn't, it kind of put a strain on their friendship. When trying to help the team out and get some new lights for their house they just bought, she runs into an old friend that she knew from high school before she moved. Noah runs his family business of light fixtures. The two seem to connect right away despite the years they've been apart.
I have to admit, I had a soft spot for Noah then. Having had too many friends move away in highschool and even years prior. Never saw them again, so when I see it happen in books there's a little envy involved, but coupled with happiness!
Things get serious though when Trance is shot during a press moment after a building caught fire and the Metas were called in. Dahlia was there at the time and feels terrible for Trance. It's touch and go on whether she'll pull through, but doctors are hopeful. This is when the story really kicks off, as Dahlia learns more about the going ons than she ever really wanted to. Starting with that Noah isn't quite who he says he is and thus begins the start of all the lies.
As Dahlia tries to unravel the lies and the mysteries she discovers quite a bit about Noah and who he works with. Although, I can't help but feel there are still so many unanswered questions. Especially where Dahlia is concerned as the ending does leave you wondering about this and that and a bit more! Like who the mysterious villain is that gets mentioned a few times but then that's the end of it. I have a feeling he or she might pop up again later and possibly was even in the first book but can't be sure since it's been so long since I read it last.
The pacing to this one was pretty good, all things considered! It had a bumpy start that was still somewhat interesting, but not nearly as exciting. But the action really picks up once Trance is shot and in the hospital and the dominoes start to fall. It's hard to know who to trust in this one because the enemy like to deceive the heroes and heroines. It's not always easy to tell when someone isn't who they say they are. And I will leave you with that bit of vagueness to delve on how you wish!
There was a bit of romance in this one, but not much. Dahlia and Noah start to rekindle some feelings felt from highschool, but once the lies start to come forth, not much else happens between them. And yet, there are still feelings. I couldn't quite understand why Dahlia still felt something for Noah despite the lies he told. I am not a fan of liars myself. But Noah did try to do some redeeming amidst the lies, so it was kind of hard to completely hate him.
As I mentioned the ending leaves a lot to be desired. I wasn't quite sure if it was a contented ending or not. So much happened and so much is still left unresolved. I guess I might just have to keep reading this series to find out what else happens to these heroes despite each book containing a different narrator/hero/heroine. But as in this one, we got a little info about what was going on in Trance's life after her story was told. So who knows what might happen, maybe in the next one I'll learn of Dahlia's fate.
Overall Rating 3.75/5 stars--yes I know, another awkward rating. I hate doing these but I can't in good sense give it a 3.5 because it was better than that, and yet the ending just left me with too many questions to condone a 4 star rating either. So awkward rating it is!
December 6, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A dark and bleak setting with original storytelling that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
Opening Sentence: “Who’s got the friggin’ fire extinguisher?”
The Review:
Changeling is the second book in the MetaWars series and it follows Dahlia Perkins as she is just beginning to learn to use her Meta powers. It has only been about six months since her powers have awakened. She has some really interesting fire type powers, if you get her mad she can literally set everything ablaze but if she concentrates just right she can focus the fire into her and can put out everything from a tiny flame to a four-alarm fire. Dahlia isn’t the only one to have awakened new powers, people who didn’t have powers before they were taken away and just now discovering they have Meta abilities.
Dahlia has joined Teresa “Trance” West’s group of Meta kid superheroes (only they aren’t kids anymore) and together they want to prove that all Meta’s aren’t bad. They are dedicated to helping others, so when a corpse turns up with just the skin left behind, they must determine what new kind of Meta power is behind this bizarre murder. After Dahlia has been exhausted from using her fire powers, someone tries to shoot her but Teresa pushes Dahlia out of the way and takes the bullet for her.
Dahlia finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that will upend the life that she knew and her current life as she knows it. It will also change the world as the Metas know it. Strange things have been happening for the fifteen or so years that the Metas have been depowered and all will be revealed in Changeling.
Changeling took me in a whole different direction then I thought it would and it has opened up a whole new world that includes more than Metas. Even as mysteries were revealed there were still many questions to be answered. There were times when it seemed like the group would break apart but they managed to hold strong during these really difficult times.
Life is not easy for the Meta’s and every time it seems like they have a step up something bad always happens. This is a dark and serious urban fantasy series. There are a few lighthearted moments with some of the secondary characters. If you have a penchant for urban fantasy and superheroes then I suggest giving this series a try.
Overall, I really enjoyed Dahlia’s story and I hope I can find out more about what has happened since the events in this novel. Although I am really looking forward to Ethan’s story in Tempest.
Notable Scene:
“I know. There were so many times I wanted to say something, to point you in the right direction, but I have to protect my brothers. This has all been about protecting them.”
“And I have to protect my friends. I have to tell them what I know.”
“You can’t.” Panic washed across his face and widened his eyes. He gripped my hands painfully tight.
“Why not?” I challenged.
“Because I’ll never see you again.”
“You’ll live.”
He took a step back as though physically struck, radiating frustration and hurt.
“Will you tell me why King used Stark to shoot at me?” I asked.
“I can’t.”
I glared at him, my right hand tucking into a fist. “Then you and your fucked-up family can go straight to hell.” I punched him square in the temple. The action sent a shock of pain up my knuckles and wrist. He stumbled sideways and cracked his head off the wall. He crumpled to the floor in a heap. I felt no satisfaction–only wrenching guilt.
I yanked open the door and shrieked. Dr. Kinsey loomed in the doorway, cold and resigned. Something stung my arm. I saw the flash of the syringe tip and King standing just over the older man’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry it came to this, Miss Perkins,” Kinsey said.
His image blurred into a Picasso of colors and shapes. Sounds muffled. I pitched forward, against something warm. Giving. And floated down. Down. Darkness.
FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of Changeling. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A dark and bleak setting with original storytelling that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
Opening Sentence: “Who’s got the friggin’ fire extinguisher?”
The Review:
Changeling is the second book in the MetaWars series and it follows Dahlia Perkins as she is just beginning to learn to use her Meta powers. It has only been about six months since her powers have awakened. She has some really interesting fire type powers, if you get her mad she can literally set everything ablaze but if she concentrates just right she can focus the fire into her and can put out everything from a tiny flame to a four-alarm fire. Dahlia isn’t the only one to have awakened new powers, people who didn’t have powers before they were taken away and just now discovering they have Meta abilities.
Dahlia has joined Teresa “Trance” West’s group of Meta kid superheroes (only they aren’t kids anymore) and together they want to prove that all Meta’s aren’t bad. They are dedicated to helping others, so when a corpse turns up with just the skin left behind, they must determine what new kind of Meta power is behind this bizarre murder. After Dahlia has been exhausted from using her fire powers, someone tries to shoot her but Teresa pushes Dahlia out of the way and takes the bullet for her.
Dahlia finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that will upend the life that she knew and her current life as she knows it. It will also change the world as the Metas know it. Strange things have been happening for the fifteen or so years that the Metas have been depowered and all will be revealed in Changeling.
Changeling took me in a whole different direction then I thought it would and it has opened up a whole new world that includes more than Metas. Even as mysteries were revealed there were still many questions to be answered. There were times when it seemed like the group would break apart but they managed to hold strong during these really difficult times.
Life is not easy for the Meta’s and every time it seems like they have a step up something bad always happens. This is a dark and serious urban fantasy series. There are a few lighthearted moments with some of the secondary characters. If you have a penchant for urban fantasy and superheroes then I suggest giving this series a try.
Overall, I really enjoyed Dahlia’s story and I hope I can find out more about what has happened since the events in this novel. Although I am really looking forward to Ethan’s story in Tempest.
Notable Scene:
“I know. There were so many times I wanted to say something, to point you in the right direction, but I have to protect my brothers. This has all been about protecting them.”
“And I have to protect my friends. I have to tell them what I know.”
“You can’t.” Panic washed across his face and widened his eyes. He gripped my hands painfully tight.
“Why not?” I challenged.
“Because I’ll never see you again.”
“You’ll live.”
He took a step back as though physically struck, radiating frustration and hurt.
“Will you tell me why King used Stark to shoot at me?” I asked.
“I can’t.”
I glared at him, my right hand tucking into a fist. “Then you and your fucked-up family can go straight to hell.” I punched him square in the temple. The action sent a shock of pain up my knuckles and wrist. He stumbled sideways and cracked his head off the wall. He crumpled to the floor in a heap. I felt no satisfaction–only wrenching guilt.
I yanked open the door and shrieked. Dr. Kinsey loomed in the doorway, cold and resigned. Something stung my arm. I saw the flash of the syringe tip and King standing just over the older man’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry it came to this, Miss Perkins,” Kinsey said.
His image blurred into a Picasso of colors and shapes. Sounds muffled. I pitched forward, against something warm. Giving. And floated down. Down. Darkness.
FTC Advisory: I purchased my own copy of Changeling. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 27, 2013
*Genre* Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Review*
My first thoughts upon finishing Changeling were holy shit does Meding love to torture the hell out of her characters! The second thought was, I definitely want more of Dahlia to see what happens next to her! I loved the first book, Trance, and was eagerly waiting for Changeling to come out so that I could find out who the next character to be introduced was and what diabolical evil plans Meding had for her characters. Of course, one thing lead to another and I ended up waiting nearly a full year before reading this book! Luckily, I have Tempest, book # 3, on my Kindle ready to go, and Meding does a wonderful job of tying the two books together without getting doing a bunch of info dumping.
Changeling turns the page on Trance's story and instead tells it from a relative new comer to the Rangers in 22 year old Dahlia (Ember) Perkins. Dahlia has the ability to absorb heat and extinguish fires. Kind of reminds me of the Fantastic Four's Johnny Storm except for the full body flare ups. As we learn, 6 months ago, Dahlia was a fledgling investigative journalist before her powers decided to manifest themselves in full glory.
Now, as the newest and youngest member of the so called Ranger Corps (Metas), she brings a whole new element to the table for Trance to turn to. I kind of felt for Dahlia in many ways. She's a relative outsider to the group. She was left with a butt load of money that she uses to help Trance in rebuilding their new home. She finds herself actually leading the investigation into the mysterious body dumps that are happening around town after an incident involving Trance sidelines her for most of the book.
The other Rangers all grew up together and their parents were Rangers themselves. They went 15 years struggling for an identity not knowing what would come next. When Meding digs digger into Dahlia's past, we find things aren't always what they seem, and you are kept in the dark until the full mystery and villains are unmasked to their full intent.
Meding doesn't throw Trance or any of her other Rangers into a corner and forget about them. Nope. She's still around as the default leader of the Meta's which also includes Renee (Flex) Duvall, Ethan (Tempest) Swift, March (Onyx) Mendoza, and Gage (Cipher) McAllister. This is a true team effort even though most if not all of the events surround Ember.
What really excited me about Changeling was the possibilities it brings for a newer, badder, and more devastating villain under the guidance of The Overseer. Meding really kept her cards close to her chest in not revealing too much information about the Overseer, and why he hates Dahlia so much. Dahlia's own personal discovery and the ending left me weeping like a freaking baby. As mentioned above, it's a wonder that anyone survives in Medings world. She has a brutal tendency of putting her characters through the wringer and watching them struggle in order to survive. If you haven't read her Dreg City books yet, PLEASE DO SO!!
The MetaWars series is set, mostly, in a Los Angeles that was devastated by the so called MetaWars 15 years ago between the Meta's and the Banes. It has been compared to a Dystopian novel in that regards. If you are a fan of comic book heroes, then you will enjoy this series as much as I have. Another bit of awesome news is that Meding is currently working on book # 4 called Chimera which is supposed to release later this year (2013). ::Fingers crossed::
Published June 26th 2012 by Pocket Books
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Review*
My first thoughts upon finishing Changeling were holy shit does Meding love to torture the hell out of her characters! The second thought was, I definitely want more of Dahlia to see what happens next to her! I loved the first book, Trance, and was eagerly waiting for Changeling to come out so that I could find out who the next character to be introduced was and what diabolical evil plans Meding had for her characters. Of course, one thing lead to another and I ended up waiting nearly a full year before reading this book! Luckily, I have Tempest, book # 3, on my Kindle ready to go, and Meding does a wonderful job of tying the two books together without getting doing a bunch of info dumping.
Changeling turns the page on Trance's story and instead tells it from a relative new comer to the Rangers in 22 year old Dahlia (Ember) Perkins. Dahlia has the ability to absorb heat and extinguish fires. Kind of reminds me of the Fantastic Four's Johnny Storm except for the full body flare ups. As we learn, 6 months ago, Dahlia was a fledgling investigative journalist before her powers decided to manifest themselves in full glory.
Now, as the newest and youngest member of the so called Ranger Corps (Metas), she brings a whole new element to the table for Trance to turn to. I kind of felt for Dahlia in many ways. She's a relative outsider to the group. She was left with a butt load of money that she uses to help Trance in rebuilding their new home. She finds herself actually leading the investigation into the mysterious body dumps that are happening around town after an incident involving Trance sidelines her for most of the book.
The other Rangers all grew up together and their parents were Rangers themselves. They went 15 years struggling for an identity not knowing what would come next. When Meding digs digger into Dahlia's past, we find things aren't always what they seem, and you are kept in the dark until the full mystery and villains are unmasked to their full intent.
Meding doesn't throw Trance or any of her other Rangers into a corner and forget about them. Nope. She's still around as the default leader of the Meta's which also includes Renee (Flex) Duvall, Ethan (Tempest) Swift, March (Onyx) Mendoza, and Gage (Cipher) McAllister. This is a true team effort even though most if not all of the events surround Ember.
What really excited me about Changeling was the possibilities it brings for a newer, badder, and more devastating villain under the guidance of The Overseer. Meding really kept her cards close to her chest in not revealing too much information about the Overseer, and why he hates Dahlia so much. Dahlia's own personal discovery and the ending left me weeping like a freaking baby. As mentioned above, it's a wonder that anyone survives in Medings world. She has a brutal tendency of putting her characters through the wringer and watching them struggle in order to survive. If you haven't read her Dreg City books yet, PLEASE DO SO!!
The MetaWars series is set, mostly, in a Los Angeles that was devastated by the so called MetaWars 15 years ago between the Meta's and the Banes. It has been compared to a Dystopian novel in that regards. If you are a fan of comic book heroes, then you will enjoy this series as much as I have. Another bit of awesome news is that Meding is currently working on book # 4 called Chimera which is supposed to release later this year (2013). ::Fingers crossed::
Published June 26th 2012 by Pocket Books
August 8, 2012
Changeling is the second book in Kelly’s Meta Wars series, set in a futuristic and somewhat dystopian Los Angeles. We follow newcomer Dahlia Perkins as she adjusts to being a superhero and unravels a series of grisly murders that link directly to a past she doesn’t quite remember. Unlike her other series, Meding chose to use different point of view characters for each book. As such, we don’t see too much of the narrator of book 1, Teresa “Trance” West in this book. I have to say one thing I love about Kelly’s writing is that she nails the voice of her characters by really getting into their heads and writing in first person. First person can be limiting and difficult to convey information but Kelly pulls it off effortlessly.
Being the second book in a series, Meding not only had to provide a stand-alone story with an engaging plot but she also had to provide enough hints and tidbits about the first book to clue readers in, especially if it had been a while since they’d read book 1 or if they were just picking up book 2 without having read book 1. Overall, I think Kelly did a good job weaving in small details about what the characters had previously gone through. It had been quite a while since I’d read book 1 so some of it didn’t quite click in my head. But that may have just been me. It is definitely a skill I need to master, finding the right information to connect one story to the next. I do wish we had seen a little more of some of the characters and how their relationships developed between the end of book 1 and book 2. We heard about Dahlia and Marco (one of the other Metas) and their friendship and failed romance but we didn’t get much of a sense of that relationship in the book. It was a bit more tell and not enough show. But I understand why some of that had to fall by the wayside. The larger story arc and Dahlia’s evolution were the real focus of this book.
Another aspect of the story that I found very well done was the case the team began investigating at the start of the book and where it ultimately led by the end. It had enough twists and turns to keep the story line moving. That is one aspect of the urban fantasy/detective type genre that I have still yet to master and I am definitely going to use Kelly as an example of how to weave in new leads and false starts.
I found Dahlia to be a very dynamic, layered character. Kelly has a knack for creating strong female leads. Dahlia has the advantage of being new to the superhero gig and so provides the reader a fresh look into the world and the other people around her. In a way she got to play detective and go out on her own and try to solve the puzzles that kept popping up around her. The lone wolf approach didn’t always work well for Dahlia’s personal safety but it moved the story along nicely and provided good points for character development. I liked how Kelly used someone from Dahlia’s past to introduce a new aspect of the Meta world and help lead Dahlia to a new personal truth.
My only quibble, and it really is a small one, is that book 3 in the series (coming out next year) won’t be in Dahlia’s point of view. From what I’ve read it switches to Ethan “Tempest” Swift. Not that I’m not going to enjoy it because I’m sure I will. But, I really connected with Dal and was saddened to find out we’d be switching narrators again in the next installment. I’m sure we’ll still see Dahlia around as the overall series arc progresses, but I’ll miss her unique voice and perspective.
Being the second book in a series, Meding not only had to provide a stand-alone story with an engaging plot but she also had to provide enough hints and tidbits about the first book to clue readers in, especially if it had been a while since they’d read book 1 or if they were just picking up book 2 without having read book 1. Overall, I think Kelly did a good job weaving in small details about what the characters had previously gone through. It had been quite a while since I’d read book 1 so some of it didn’t quite click in my head. But that may have just been me. It is definitely a skill I need to master, finding the right information to connect one story to the next. I do wish we had seen a little more of some of the characters and how their relationships developed between the end of book 1 and book 2. We heard about Dahlia and Marco (one of the other Metas) and their friendship and failed romance but we didn’t get much of a sense of that relationship in the book. It was a bit more tell and not enough show. But I understand why some of that had to fall by the wayside. The larger story arc and Dahlia’s evolution were the real focus of this book.
Another aspect of the story that I found very well done was the case the team began investigating at the start of the book and where it ultimately led by the end. It had enough twists and turns to keep the story line moving. That is one aspect of the urban fantasy/detective type genre that I have still yet to master and I am definitely going to use Kelly as an example of how to weave in new leads and false starts.
I found Dahlia to be a very dynamic, layered character. Kelly has a knack for creating strong female leads. Dahlia has the advantage of being new to the superhero gig and so provides the reader a fresh look into the world and the other people around her. In a way she got to play detective and go out on her own and try to solve the puzzles that kept popping up around her. The lone wolf approach didn’t always work well for Dahlia’s personal safety but it moved the story along nicely and provided good points for character development. I liked how Kelly used someone from Dahlia’s past to introduce a new aspect of the Meta world and help lead Dahlia to a new personal truth.
My only quibble, and it really is a small one, is that book 3 in the series (coming out next year) won’t be in Dahlia’s point of view. From what I’ve read it switches to Ethan “Tempest” Swift. Not that I’m not going to enjoy it because I’m sure I will. But, I really connected with Dal and was saddened to find out we’d be switching narrators again in the next installment. I’m sure we’ll still see Dahlia around as the overall series arc progresses, but I’ll miss her unique voice and perspective.
February 11, 2017
Originally reviewed at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-cha...
Quick & Dirty: A dark and bleak setting with original storytelling that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
The Review:
Changeling is the second book in the MetaWars series and it follows Dahlia Perkins as she is just beginning to learn to use her Meta powers. It has only been about six months since her powers have awakened. She has some really interesting fire type powers, if you get her mad she can literally set everything ablaze but if she concentrates just right she can focus the fire into her and can put out everything from a tiny flame to a four-alarm fire. Dahlia isn’t the only one to have awakened new powers, people who didn’t have powers before they were taken away and just now discovering they have Meta abilities.
Dahlia has joined Teresa “Trance” West’s group of Meta kid superheroes (only they aren’t kids anymore) and together they want to prove that all Meta’s aren’t bad. They are dedicated to helping others, so when a corpse turns up with just the skin left behind, they must determine what new kind of Meta power is behind this bizarre murder. After Dahlia has been exhausted from using her fire powers, someone tries to shoot her but Teresa pushes Dahlia out of the way and takes the bullet for her.
Dahlia finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that will upend the life that she knew and her current life as she knows it. It will also change the world as the Metas know it. Strange things have been happening for the fifteen or so years that the Metas have been depowered and all will be revealed in Changeling.
Changeling took me in a whole different direction then I thought it would and it has opened up a whole new world that includes more than Metas. Even as mysteries were revealed there were still many questions to be answered. There were times when it seemed like the group would break apart but they managed to hold strong during these really difficult times.
Life is not easy for the Meta’s and every time it seems like they have a step up something bad always happens. This is a dark and serious urban fantasy series. There are a few lighthearted moments with some of the secondary characters. If you have a penchant for urban fantasy and superheroes then I suggest giving this series a try.
Overall, I really enjoyed Dahlia’s story and I hope I can find out more about what has happened since the events in this novel. Although I am really looking forward to Ethan’s story in Tempest.
Quick & Dirty: A dark and bleak setting with original storytelling that kept me guessing from beginning to end.
The Review:
Changeling is the second book in the MetaWars series and it follows Dahlia Perkins as she is just beginning to learn to use her Meta powers. It has only been about six months since her powers have awakened. She has some really interesting fire type powers, if you get her mad she can literally set everything ablaze but if she concentrates just right she can focus the fire into her and can put out everything from a tiny flame to a four-alarm fire. Dahlia isn’t the only one to have awakened new powers, people who didn’t have powers before they were taken away and just now discovering they have Meta abilities.
Dahlia has joined Teresa “Trance” West’s group of Meta kid superheroes (only they aren’t kids anymore) and together they want to prove that all Meta’s aren’t bad. They are dedicated to helping others, so when a corpse turns up with just the skin left behind, they must determine what new kind of Meta power is behind this bizarre murder. After Dahlia has been exhausted from using her fire powers, someone tries to shoot her but Teresa pushes Dahlia out of the way and takes the bullet for her.
Dahlia finds herself drawn into a conspiracy that will upend the life that she knew and her current life as she knows it. It will also change the world as the Metas know it. Strange things have been happening for the fifteen or so years that the Metas have been depowered and all will be revealed in Changeling.
Changeling took me in a whole different direction then I thought it would and it has opened up a whole new world that includes more than Metas. Even as mysteries were revealed there were still many questions to be answered. There were times when it seemed like the group would break apart but they managed to hold strong during these really difficult times.
Life is not easy for the Meta’s and every time it seems like they have a step up something bad always happens. This is a dark and serious urban fantasy series. There are a few lighthearted moments with some of the secondary characters. If you have a penchant for urban fantasy and superheroes then I suggest giving this series a try.
Overall, I really enjoyed Dahlia’s story and I hope I can find out more about what has happened since the events in this novel. Although I am really looking forward to Ethan’s story in Tempest.
September 1, 2015
Changeling has one of the most bizarrely awesome endings I have ever read! I mean, the whole book was quite great, but I never would have expected that ending. Maybe a variation on it, but I really never expect authors to stick it out with something like that. Woah. Anyway. Dahlia aka Ember is the newest member of the Meta team, but she's not exactly accepted. Then she's shot at, but Trance takes the bullet, and empty bodies (as in just in tact skin) start showing up. Someone seems to be out for the Metas, but who and why?
Changeling had me hooked from the beginning. I love these kind of villains, where their abilities are just disturbing and you don't know what they've got planned. What kind of Meta leaves their victims completely drained of everything, but with their skins perfectly whole? It's just so freaking strange! And the answer is even stranger. There are quite a few info-dumps to explain what the Changelings are, where they came from, and what they're doing, but I was fascinated!
But let's talk about that ending. Changeling has lots of twists, turns, and reveals. Characters are lying and hiding stuff, and you can never even be sure that someone is who you think they are! Of course, there has to be a big show down with the evil mastermind, and I did expect Dahlia to be the victor. However, I did not expect her to gain her victory in this manner and then....well, I can't give that way. All of the clues are there, but I'd expect the author to fix it, but she doesn't! That is certainly something special! Although I cannot even imagine what Dahlia must be going though, because this is not at all normal or comfortable.
Changeling was really great! It was exciting and nonstop action, and everything just kept me hooked and flipping pages! Obvious I'm completely wowed by that ending, because. The plot definitely came to a close, but Dahlia's situation doesn't seem to be resolved. I suspect we'll be seeing more of her in the background of the following books. At least I hope so!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Changeling had me hooked from the beginning. I love these kind of villains, where their abilities are just disturbing and you don't know what they've got planned. What kind of Meta leaves their victims completely drained of everything, but with their skins perfectly whole? It's just so freaking strange! And the answer is even stranger. There are quite a few info-dumps to explain what the Changelings are, where they came from, and what they're doing, but I was fascinated!
But let's talk about that ending. Changeling has lots of twists, turns, and reveals. Characters are lying and hiding stuff, and you can never even be sure that someone is who you think they are! Of course, there has to be a big show down with the evil mastermind, and I did expect Dahlia to be the victor. However, I did not expect her to gain her victory in this manner and then....well, I can't give that way. All of the clues are there, but I'd expect the author to fix it, but she doesn't! That is certainly something special! Although I cannot even imagine what Dahlia must be going though, because this is not at all normal or comfortable.
Changeling was really great! It was exciting and nonstop action, and everything just kept me hooked and flipping pages! Obvious I'm completely wowed by that ending, because. The plot definitely came to a close, but Dahlia's situation doesn't seem to be resolved. I suspect we'll be seeing more of her in the background of the following books. At least I hope so!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
December 10, 2013
This review also posted at A Bookish Compulsion
Moving forward in the MetaWars series, Changeling was both a thrilling addition to a world I had grown to like and a sharp departure from the course set by Trance, the first book in this series.
Told from the viewpoint of Dahlia Perkins, the newest member of the Meta team, it vividly portrayed the challenges of both a world in social upheaval over the resurgence of the Metas and the inner-dynamic of divergent personalities attempting to come together as a unit. The world-building in this volume was on point however the direction in which the story veered lost me somewhat. This could easily be due to the fact that I am enamored of relationship building between characters and the relationships in this book are complicated at best and often strained. That said, I found the situations believable and the reactions understandable, if not ideal. Then again how many of us have ideal reactions to events we don’t like?
Still, the trust central to having a tight-knit group was frayed by the end of this book, making me leery of where the future journey will take me.
Moving forward in the MetaWars series, Changeling was both a thrilling addition to a world I had grown to like and a sharp departure from the course set by Trance, the first book in this series.
Told from the viewpoint of Dahlia Perkins, the newest member of the Meta team, it vividly portrayed the challenges of both a world in social upheaval over the resurgence of the Metas and the inner-dynamic of divergent personalities attempting to come together as a unit. The world-building in this volume was on point however the direction in which the story veered lost me somewhat. This could easily be due to the fact that I am enamored of relationship building between characters and the relationships in this book are complicated at best and often strained. That said, I found the situations believable and the reactions understandable, if not ideal. Then again how many of us have ideal reactions to events we don’t like?
Still, the trust central to having a tight-knit group was frayed by the end of this book, making me leery of where the future journey will take me.
July 5, 2012
Meding's Changeling is just as action packed as the first book in her Meta Wars series, Trance. This book picks up after the events in Trance with the Meta crime fighters setting off on their own. This book does switch narrators from book one with the team's newest member taking the reigns. Dahlia quickly won this reader over though, and I am glad that Meding chose to give readers a switch in point of view. Dahlia finds herself the target of a mysterious enemy which puts the lives of her friends in danger as well as her chance for romance with a man from her past. Meding once again does an amazing job with her world building, and she continues the great development of her characters. However the ending of this book was really different than what I expected. I had fully been ready to give this book five stars until the end, but I will say that the end did make me want to read the next book to see what happens next. Overall this was a great read and what I have come to expect from Meding, but I can see some frustrations from the ending for readers taken off guard. I would however recommend this great series as a whole though, and I am looking forward to the gang's next outing.
April 27, 2013
The first book in the Meta Wars series, Trance, was one of my favorite books of 2011. I love superheroes and really there just aren’t enough books out there that feature them. Kelly Meding’s series is fresh and exciting and with Kelly I know that I am always going to be surprised by what she does next. You really cannot predict how things will turn out.
Going into Changeling, I had expectations and now looking back I don’t know why since I have been reading Kelly’s work for a while now. I expected there to be a clear cut romance and I expected the bad guys to be clear cut as well. The only expectation that I had that was met was that I expected the book to be kickass. The addition of the changelings was interesting because they are both creepy and cool. I wasn’t 100% sure about Dahlia since she was so new to being a superhero, but I think that is why she made such a great protagonist. It would have been easier to jump from Trance straight into say Renee/Flex as the narrator, but easier isn’t always better.
I absolutely love this series and I highly recommend it. I hope that Kelly can keep this series around for a long time so I can get my superhero fix.
Going into Changeling, I had expectations and now looking back I don’t know why since I have been reading Kelly’s work for a while now. I expected there to be a clear cut romance and I expected the bad guys to be clear cut as well. The only expectation that I had that was met was that I expected the book to be kickass. The addition of the changelings was interesting because they are both creepy and cool. I wasn’t 100% sure about Dahlia since she was so new to being a superhero, but I think that is why she made such a great protagonist. It would have been easier to jump from Trance straight into say Renee/Flex as the narrator, but easier isn’t always better.
I absolutely love this series and I highly recommend it. I hope that Kelly can keep this series around for a long time so I can get my superhero fix.
September 10, 2012
Changeling by Kelly Meding
In a world of mutants (my word not the author’s) there are allies and enemies but if changelings are involved how do you tell the difference?
This seems to be the second book of a series. I was not fortunate enough to read the first book, Trance. This book paints a picture of immature semi-super hero’s making mistakes and enemies while trying to do the right thing. Morality is fairly fluid as to the rule of law and biblical justice (old testament) seems to be favored.
The characters are naïve but likeable. Dahlia wears her heart on her sleeve and she seems almost a stereotype of a lonely teenager. The relationships between Dahlia, Noah and her team are complex which mirrors life in general.
I would have liked a little more back story as to the events leading to the re-emergence of Metas and what transpired in the relevant past. The story stand alone without a back story but I think it would be improved with one. Super heroes, werewolves, vampires are all very popular at this point, I think this book will do quite well.
I recommend the book.
In a world of mutants (my word not the author’s) there are allies and enemies but if changelings are involved how do you tell the difference?
This seems to be the second book of a series. I was not fortunate enough to read the first book, Trance. This book paints a picture of immature semi-super hero’s making mistakes and enemies while trying to do the right thing. Morality is fairly fluid as to the rule of law and biblical justice (old testament) seems to be favored.
The characters are naïve but likeable. Dahlia wears her heart on her sleeve and she seems almost a stereotype of a lonely teenager. The relationships between Dahlia, Noah and her team are complex which mirrors life in general.
I would have liked a little more back story as to the events leading to the re-emergence of Metas and what transpired in the relevant past. The story stand alone without a back story but I think it would be improved with one. Super heroes, werewolves, vampires are all very popular at this point, I think this book will do quite well.
I recommend the book.
November 26, 2012
This is not your typical paranormal romance/urban fantasy. This book is not for you, if you are going for the girl-meets-boy, girl-and-boy-get-insatiably-hot-for-each-other, girl-and-boy-have-some-heart-rending-complication, girl-and-boy-resolve-everything-with-the-hottest-sex-ever, oh-and-also-there's-a-bit-of-adventure-thrown-in. If I hadn't been wondering "when they heck are they getting together" for most of the book, I think I would have enjoyed the overall experience more. So know going in that there is *no sex* in this book (unusual for a Pocket After Dark book).
This story is more complex than traditional urban fantasy and paranormal romance, with a truly fascinating ending. I can't stop thinking about the story, despite a few shortcomings -- like the superhero names (silly) and how they're used interchangeably with the real names (confusing).
I did *not* read the first book in this series, because I didn't realize there was one before I started reading Changeling. There are references to the first book in this second one, so I'd recommend looking for "Trance" and starting at the beginning. :)
This story is more complex than traditional urban fantasy and paranormal romance, with a truly fascinating ending. I can't stop thinking about the story, despite a few shortcomings -- like the superhero names (silly) and how they're used interchangeably with the real names (confusing).
I did *not* read the first book in this series, because I didn't realize there was one before I started reading Changeling. There are references to the first book in this second one, so I'd recommend looking for "Trance" and starting at the beginning. :)
February 3, 2013
Initially I was shocked as I started reading to find that I was no longer hearing from Trance (The voice of book one) but instead was following Ember a character in the series that we had just started to know.
As always Kelly's books manage to surprise, even when you think you may start to see the ending develop the plot twists and becomes anew.
I won't give anything away, just tell you that you should really give Kelly Meding a chance if you haven't yet. She is an amazing offer and I look forward to the day when her books are in reprint, all the cool kids are reading them and I get to sit back smirking and say something like "Ohh, don't you just love her books... Ooh, this is your first time... I read them in first release"
Believe me, she will be one of those authors.
As always Kelly's books manage to surprise, even when you think you may start to see the ending develop the plot twists and becomes anew.
I won't give anything away, just tell you that you should really give Kelly Meding a chance if you haven't yet. She is an amazing offer and I look forward to the day when her books are in reprint, all the cool kids are reading them and I get to sit back smirking and say something like "Ohh, don't you just love her books... Ooh, this is your first time... I read them in first release"
Believe me, she will be one of those authors.
July 19, 2012
I really liked the first book in the series, but this one was so different. I was ok with the way things started, but then when a whole different species was introduced I was leery. I hated how isolated Dahlia seemed from the group, or when she was with the group see seemed like the odd man out. I really hated how the book ended. It seems to me that the author has written herself into a corner with these 2 characters. I will read the next book in hopes it goes back to the goodness that was the first book.
January 28, 2014
I can't believe that I waited a year after finishing the first book to read this one. I absolutely love this series so freaking much. The characters are compelling, and the plot has a way of building up until a completely explosive and intense finally. Seriously, I don't know how Kelly Meding does it. There were so many twists and turns in this book that I still feel as if I'm left reeling from some of the revelations. That being said, I cannot wait to jump into the next book...so I don't think I will. I am starting Tempest right now.
May 24, 2013
I loved Trance, the first book in the series, alot and Dahlia was one of my favourite characters, so I was thrilled to find out that Changeling featured her as the protagonist. A great read with an awesome finale that left me very much looking forward to the next one!
July 2, 2012
It was a pretty good read. You can find my review here: http://calliopedomain.blogspot.ca/201...
Also, there's a contest to win a copy of either this or the first book in the series on my blog: http://calliopedomain.blogspot.ca/201...
Also, there's a contest to win a copy of either this or the first book in the series on my blog: http://calliopedomain.blogspot.ca/201...
July 30, 2012
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
Kelly Meding crafts an intricate plot that is sure to keep you guessing. Just when you think you know what will happen, Meding shocks you with a premeditated move you didn't see coming. She managed to pull several twists on me and I'm still reeling!
August 11, 2012
This one was a little different than the first book. I loved Daliah's POV but I think I liked the villan meta better and adding in mad scientists and genetic projects. It was just a little over the top for me to believe. But overall it was not a bad book. The ending left a lot to be desired though and its going to be a long wait to see what happens to our team next!
June 14, 2013
The author is not afraid of knocking off a major character and introducing new ones to the mix, and this installment in the series is no exception. Some of the main characters are likeable and some are not-so-likeable, and it will be interesting to see how (or if) they grow up as the series progresses.
July 7, 2013
Wow. So that's how it is Medling?
Talk about a cliffhanger.
I didn't think I would ever find a book with a stranger character transformation than in The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake but really, wow.
Talk about a cliffhanger.
I didn't think I would ever find a book with a stranger character transformation than in The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake but really, wow.
October 26, 2015
I liked it okay. It seems the author is telling each story in the series from a different character's point of view. That took some getting used to. The writing hasn't improved. Repetitive words, LOTS of cliché and phrases she seems to be really attached to. Three of my pet peeves. I still enjoyed the story, but the stars are melting away...
March 12, 2013
I am loving this new superhero' series! The characters are fascinating, and the storylines grab your attention and keep it throughout the story. I loved watching the characters learn to work as a team, and become friends...sort of. A great read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 3, 2012
Really Liked the Book not sure if I liked the ending. I was worried b/c I love Kelly Medings Evangeline Stone books and was so sad they ended. But with all her writing this book kept me intrigued. Will want to read the next book in the Series.
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