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The Changeling of Fenlen Forest
Elizabeth thinks she knows the gloomy Fenlen Forest. But when her treasured unicorn fawn, Sida, goes missing, Elizabeth tracks her into a strange land where the people think Elizabeth is a changeling, a malignant being who too closely resembles a missing girl.
If Elizabeth can find her fawn and uncover the fate of her lost double, can she stop the fear from turning into hate? To solve the deepening mystery, Elizabeth befriends a handsome, skeptical young shepherd whose stories hint at a dark secret lurking at the forest’s edge, and follows a herd of wild unicorns with the ability to unlock the past. - from publisher
If Elizabeth can find her fawn and uncover the fate of her lost double, can she stop the fear from turning into hate? To solve the deepening mystery, Elizabeth befriends a handsome, skeptical young shepherd whose stories hint at a dark secret lurking at the forest’s edge, and follows a herd of wild unicorns with the ability to unlock the past. - from publisher
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2019
2 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 30, 2019
If you’ve read The Last Unicorn or The Moorchild and are looking for a book with a similar vibe, check out The Changeling of Fenlen Forest. It’s got misfits, unicorns, and a bittersweet love story.
This is a book that pulls you into the story. The plot’s main mystery keeps you guessing, and the characters grow in ways that seem unexpected…until you realize that the hints have been there all along.
The fantasy world is fleshed out and the culture that the main character, Elizabeth, finds herself in feels real. The language, to the clothes and the customs aren’t the same “ye olde worlde” stuff. The same goes for the unicorns…the story makes sure you know that they have their own thing going on when the humans aren’t around. They’re not “cutesy” and they’re not “ironic.” They’re wild.
This is a book that pulls you into the story. The plot’s main mystery keeps you guessing, and the characters grow in ways that seem unexpected…until you realize that the hints have been there all along.
The fantasy world is fleshed out and the culture that the main character, Elizabeth, finds herself in feels real. The language, to the clothes and the customs aren’t the same “ye olde worlde” stuff. The same goes for the unicorns…the story makes sure you know that they have their own thing going on when the humans aren’t around. They’re not “cutesy” and they’re not “ironic.” They’re wild.
April 29, 2019
Finally, the Unicorn fantasy book I have been waiting for!
I really enjoyed this novel, and highly recommend it. In most novels, unicorns are merely agents to drive a story forward and authors rely on our preconceived notions to fill in the unicorn gaps. For example, I'm a big Harry Potter fan, but in those books unicorns are treated so simply as symbols of purity and goodness. However, the author takes the unicorn and brings it to the center of the story. She shows that unicorns are much more complex creatures. She goes in depth into how they live, their relationship with other unicorns and humans, and what drives them. This type of depth will resonate with young readers who are fond of details and would love to expand their understanding of how unicorns could exist!
The world she created feels like it always existed, and the story of Elizabeth was waiting to be told. Although this novel is meant for teens, its pace and writing style is just as interesting for adults (such as myself). I hope the author continues with more books in this wonderful world that she has created!
I really enjoyed this novel, and highly recommend it. In most novels, unicorns are merely agents to drive a story forward and authors rely on our preconceived notions to fill in the unicorn gaps. For example, I'm a big Harry Potter fan, but in those books unicorns are treated so simply as symbols of purity and goodness. However, the author takes the unicorn and brings it to the center of the story. She shows that unicorns are much more complex creatures. She goes in depth into how they live, their relationship with other unicorns and humans, and what drives them. This type of depth will resonate with young readers who are fond of details and would love to expand their understanding of how unicorns could exist!
The world she created feels like it always existed, and the story of Elizabeth was waiting to be told. Although this novel is meant for teens, its pace and writing style is just as interesting for adults (such as myself). I hope the author continues with more books in this wonderful world that she has created!
April 25, 2019
An excellent read rich in detail and mystery. It would have appeal to a broader audience given the historical detail and quality of writing.
May 14, 2019
The Changeling of Fenlen Forest is a surprising, engaging, and fun read, in addition to being very clever and creative. In telling the story of Elizabeth and her journey into the depths of the mysterious Fenlen Forest, Magyarody weaves an intricate tale of suspense, romance, wit, and empowerment. The characters, both human and non-human, are well-drawn and the book demonstrates the diversity and complexity of female interaction and friendship. I particularly enjoyed Elizabeth’s fumbling exchanges with a newly discovered forest family and the young shepherd, Torun, to whom she is increasingly attracted.
But perhaps most intriguing are Elizabeth’s growing understandings of her unicorn friend, Sida, and her mysterious doppelganger, Bettina. The more Elizabeth discovers about these enigmatic creatures and the forest itself, the more she realizes that there are certain elements (the forest, magic, time) that exist beyond her comprehension or control. This engagement with posthumanism seems at once realistic and fantastic, a perfect combination for a young adult novel.
The Changeling of Fenlen Forest avoids clichés, trite conclusions, or wrapped-in-a-package endings; the characters are complex and their narratives are treated by Magyarody with the respect and care that such complexity demands. Magyarody’s take on the YA fantasy genre feels utterly fresh, while at the same time bringing to mind elements of classic fantasy by writers such as Diana Wynne Jones, Neil Gaiman, O. R. Melling, and Suzanne Collins. A wonderful, exciting read for anyone who loves good storytelling and fantasy!
But perhaps most intriguing are Elizabeth’s growing understandings of her unicorn friend, Sida, and her mysterious doppelganger, Bettina. The more Elizabeth discovers about these enigmatic creatures and the forest itself, the more she realizes that there are certain elements (the forest, magic, time) that exist beyond her comprehension or control. This engagement with posthumanism seems at once realistic and fantastic, a perfect combination for a young adult novel.
The Changeling of Fenlen Forest avoids clichés, trite conclusions, or wrapped-in-a-package endings; the characters are complex and their narratives are treated by Magyarody with the respect and care that such complexity demands. Magyarody’s take on the YA fantasy genre feels utterly fresh, while at the same time bringing to mind elements of classic fantasy by writers such as Diana Wynne Jones, Neil Gaiman, O. R. Melling, and Suzanne Collins. A wonderful, exciting read for anyone who loves good storytelling and fantasy!
July 19, 2019
What a great book! The story develops slowly at first, then before you know it you're sucked in. The characters are rich and multi-faceted, with surprising actions from all. The unicorns are unique, maintaining their mystery and wildness while being an integral part of the story. A very common theme throughout is wildness and strangeness vs tameness and familiarity, and it leads to reflection of that same contrast within yourself.
May 9, 2019
This book was gripping from the start! It draws you into its magical and mysterious world. A lot of fun to read.
August 11, 2019
Poignant and bittersweet, Magyarody's Changeling of Fenlen Forest is a magical tale like the fairytales and folk legends of yore. You will find no 'happy ever after' ending. Instead, you'll find deep life lessons about following your heart and trusting your intuition. And that life's not always fair.
When Elizabeth is but a young child, her father abandons her and her mother, taking their cart pony and disappearing into the mysterious Fenlen Forest. Left alone when her mother goes for help, Elizabeth meets her first unicorn, and with that meeting, Fenlen Forest claims the girl. For years to come, Elizabeth roams the woods, interacting with the majestic creatures. She and her mother create a home of sorts, temporary at first, then more and more permanent. Elizabeth resists against being taken to live with her uncle, whom her mother had written to for help. I don't blame her in but. Victor and his son Julian are both arrogant asses. Then comes the day that Elizabeth learns the true secret of Fenlen Forest, and the unicorns that call it home.
What a lovely story, yet so sad! I enjoyed that the unicorns resonated as real creatures, rather than something preternatural. While magical in some ways, they were very much wild creatures. Of the two species that call Fenlen home, one prefers solitude. The other are herd animals. This first species reminded me of the "classic" unicorns you might think of at first hearing the word 'unicorn'. The other species seemed more like the kirin, a unicorn of Asia myth. Elizabeth raises an orphaned grey unicorn, and eventually her growing charge leads the young woman through the forest and past the mysterious barrier within that spat them out in a country far removed from where she started. Unable to find her way completely back, and with her unicorn fawn still MIA, Elizabeth finds shelter with a family that has a surprising secret.
The anthropologist in me adored seeing Elizabeth learn this new culture and language. Many of the customs and culture she is exposed to make little sense to her. They hold to superstition and see Elizabeth as a changeling alvinaisik come to replace Lizbet, a woman who walked into the forest and never came back out. Despite finding some friendship and love, Elizabeth comes to realise she cannot stay. After learning more of the unicorns' unique time manipulation, she figures out a way to possibly find Lizbet and to make her own way back home. Which leads me to Torun. This sweet shepherd was my favourite character, and I really feel like he got short shrift. He's very practical and pragmatic, and I feel he's one who gave quite a bit in the story, and didn't get as much in return.
Great read. Recommended, especially if you like unicorns or cryptids in general.
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for Chapter by Chapter Book Tours.
When Elizabeth is but a young child, her father abandons her and her mother, taking their cart pony and disappearing into the mysterious Fenlen Forest. Left alone when her mother goes for help, Elizabeth meets her first unicorn, and with that meeting, Fenlen Forest claims the girl. For years to come, Elizabeth roams the woods, interacting with the majestic creatures. She and her mother create a home of sorts, temporary at first, then more and more permanent. Elizabeth resists against being taken to live with her uncle, whom her mother had written to for help. I don't blame her in but. Victor and his son Julian are both arrogant asses. Then comes the day that Elizabeth learns the true secret of Fenlen Forest, and the unicorns that call it home.
What a lovely story, yet so sad! I enjoyed that the unicorns resonated as real creatures, rather than something preternatural. While magical in some ways, they were very much wild creatures. Of the two species that call Fenlen home, one prefers solitude. The other are herd animals. This first species reminded me of the "classic" unicorns you might think of at first hearing the word 'unicorn'. The other species seemed more like the kirin, a unicorn of Asia myth. Elizabeth raises an orphaned grey unicorn, and eventually her growing charge leads the young woman through the forest and past the mysterious barrier within that spat them out in a country far removed from where she started. Unable to find her way completely back, and with her unicorn fawn still MIA, Elizabeth finds shelter with a family that has a surprising secret.
The anthropologist in me adored seeing Elizabeth learn this new culture and language. Many of the customs and culture she is exposed to make little sense to her. They hold to superstition and see Elizabeth as a changeling alvinaisik come to replace Lizbet, a woman who walked into the forest and never came back out. Despite finding some friendship and love, Elizabeth comes to realise she cannot stay. After learning more of the unicorns' unique time manipulation, she figures out a way to possibly find Lizbet and to make her own way back home. Which leads me to Torun. This sweet shepherd was my favourite character, and I really feel like he got short shrift. He's very practical and pragmatic, and I feel he's one who gave quite a bit in the story, and didn't get as much in return.
Great read. Recommended, especially if you like unicorns or cryptids in general.
***Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for Chapter by Chapter Book Tours.
February 8, 2022
This book has engaging and complex characters, and Elizabeth is easy to empathize with. Great details in the world-building and a vivid setting, particularly in the descriptions of Fenlen Forest. This book hooked me from the beginning.
June 15, 2022
THE CHANGELING OF FENLEN FOREST by Katherine Magyarody is an enchantingly, suspenseful tale of time-traveling unicorns, and the mysterious forest they live in. The protagonist, Elizabeth discovers and bonds with a unicorn of this forest as a child, and then goes to uncover its secrets as a teen. The author paints an alluring world and the more I read of Fenlen, the more I needed to know its mysteries. It became almost a compulsion.
In this fantasy world exist three types of people: the Gersans, the Verians, and the Alvinaisik. Elizabeth and her family are Gersan and she comes into contact with the Verians. Both peoples have a fear of the Alvinaisik, although I’d say the Verians’ fear is a bit more extreme. While the terms faerie/fae aren’t actually used in the book, I consider them so because Elizabeth calls them the Old Folk, or strangers in the forest she was warned of as a child. The Alvinaisik are implied to be faerie and if you’ve read other faerie-based books, you’ll pick up on that. For example, it’s mentioned they have a weakness to iron or that small food offerings should be left outside for them. However, Elizabeth doesn’t actually come into contact with them and the Alvinaisik aren’t directly related to the plot, so if you’re looking for a good faerie-type book to read this isn’t for you. Time-traveling unicorns and a forest with dark secrets? Then definitely pick this up.
In terms of the world-building, it was complex when related to Fenlen Forest but a bit simplistic with anything beyond. I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book actually, because people and cities would be mentioned but it wasn’t clear how far reaching they were. While I don’t need an epic fantasy world the size of earth, I definitely need descriptions or a map of all the kingdoms, cities, peoples who are mentioned. I’ve read other YA fantasy books with small, but solid worlds. They’re clear with how large a kingdom or city is, and where everything is in relation to the other.
The character development was one of the strongest parts of this book. The protagonist, Elizabeth starts off a bit naive and perhaps too curious. She struggles and makes bad decisions (as expected) but then really grows as a character and person. The same can be said for the male lead, Torun as well as some other secondary characters. The only thing I found lacking are that certain Verian characters had a deep-seated fear of Elizabeth, thinking her a changeling and one of the Alvinaisik. Both Verians and Gersans have a fear of the Alvinaisik, but the first have allowed this fear to intertwine deeply with their culture. To the point of danger for anyone who might appear to be Alvinaisik. This fear is never accepted as baseless (there’s a specific reason Elizabeth looks like a changeling but it’s somewhat spoilery so I won’t mention) and I found that very irritating. In books or movies, I actually can’t stand it when a type of fear is embedded into the culture, to the point of danger for other people, and then that fear is never proven wrong.
Overall, I would definitely recommend THE CHANGELING OF FENLEN FOREST. The time-travel was very well-done and I enjoyed reading a book where unicorns aren’t stereotypical but rather complex creatures. While I picked up on some of the secrets early on, the mystery and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I also loved how the author intertwined the idea of fate with time-travel. Magyarody is definitely a Canadian author to watch for and I’m excited to read her next work!
In this fantasy world exist three types of people: the Gersans, the Verians, and the Alvinaisik. Elizabeth and her family are Gersan and she comes into contact with the Verians. Both peoples have a fear of the Alvinaisik, although I’d say the Verians’ fear is a bit more extreme. While the terms faerie/fae aren’t actually used in the book, I consider them so because Elizabeth calls them the Old Folk, or strangers in the forest she was warned of as a child. The Alvinaisik are implied to be faerie and if you’ve read other faerie-based books, you’ll pick up on that. For example, it’s mentioned they have a weakness to iron or that small food offerings should be left outside for them. However, Elizabeth doesn’t actually come into contact with them and the Alvinaisik aren’t directly related to the plot, so if you’re looking for a good faerie-type book to read this isn’t for you. Time-traveling unicorns and a forest with dark secrets? Then definitely pick this up.
In terms of the world-building, it was complex when related to Fenlen Forest but a bit simplistic with anything beyond. I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book actually, because people and cities would be mentioned but it wasn’t clear how far reaching they were. While I don’t need an epic fantasy world the size of earth, I definitely need descriptions or a map of all the kingdoms, cities, peoples who are mentioned. I’ve read other YA fantasy books with small, but solid worlds. They’re clear with how large a kingdom or city is, and where everything is in relation to the other.
The character development was one of the strongest parts of this book. The protagonist, Elizabeth starts off a bit naive and perhaps too curious. She struggles and makes bad decisions (as expected) but then really grows as a character and person. The same can be said for the male lead, Torun as well as some other secondary characters. The only thing I found lacking are that certain Verian characters had a deep-seated fear of Elizabeth, thinking her a changeling and one of the Alvinaisik. Both Verians and Gersans have a fear of the Alvinaisik, but the first have allowed this fear to intertwine deeply with their culture. To the point of danger for anyone who might appear to be Alvinaisik. This fear is never accepted as baseless (there’s a specific reason Elizabeth looks like a changeling but it’s somewhat spoilery so I won’t mention) and I found that very irritating. In books or movies, I actually can’t stand it when a type of fear is embedded into the culture, to the point of danger for other people, and then that fear is never proven wrong.
Overall, I would definitely recommend THE CHANGELING OF FENLEN FOREST. The time-travel was very well-done and I enjoyed reading a book where unicorns aren’t stereotypical but rather complex creatures. While I picked up on some of the secrets early on, the mystery and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I also loved how the author intertwined the idea of fate with time-travel. Magyarody is definitely a Canadian author to watch for and I’m excited to read her next work!
May 15, 2019
I found the book engaging and imaginative, with a mystery that keeps you turning the pages. This is for the young adult and for those who want to have a fun read. Even if you are not a “unicorn person,” you will be drawn into this story.
I found the main character, Elizabeth, someone you grow with. She’s a strong person to begin with, but she gains in strength and confidence as she faces the real life challenges of today’s young adults. She has to decide and choose who she wants to be within her new and budding relationships, she has to deal with a new family, finding the confidence to stand up for herself.
In the meantime, the mystery of the woods and nature…I could imagine myself in the woods walking with her, tripping across the trails, discovering the feel of the natural (and supernatural) world.
It’s interesting, the book made the concept of unicorns more alive. Whereas they’re still ethereal, they also seem real. Just as the main character grows, one of the unicorns grows with her, finding its own strength and purpose. They are in parallel, but not dependent on each other.
The other big relationship is the budding romance…you see Elizabeth and Torun discovering their feelings about and with each other. The exploration and hesitation… I want to use the word tender.
If you have a young adult who wants to be challenged, this is the book for them. The mystery requires concentration because you are learning alongside Elizabeth…it’s all there, but you have to look.
July 15, 2019
If you love whimsical fantasies, give this book a try.
Fenlen2We follow the main character whose father goes missing leaving her and her mother trying to make ends meet. But when he still hasn’t arrived, she doesn’t want this to be the end of him and closely clings to her beloved unicorn.
But when the creature too goes missing too, it’s her mission to find both her and, ultimately, her father.. Quickly, everything she thought she knew is put to the test in this enchanted read.
I quite enjoyed this book. I’m not too sure whether I would gear this towards a MG or YA audience. I feel like if you are a fan of either one, this could be a fun book to devour.
Fenlen1There’s creepy forests, a mysterious boy, and a family that just down-right freaked me out. About a third of the way through, the story shifts into a slightly darker take that reminded me of a twisted reality.
There were moments that I did find myself confused with the world building, but I think it adds a layer of suspense to the plot.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. It was enjoyable, and I think that if you love whimsical, enchanted, forbidden forest vibes, this one is for you!
Fenlen2We follow the main character whose father goes missing leaving her and her mother trying to make ends meet. But when he still hasn’t arrived, she doesn’t want this to be the end of him and closely clings to her beloved unicorn.
But when the creature too goes missing too, it’s her mission to find both her and, ultimately, her father.. Quickly, everything she thought she knew is put to the test in this enchanted read.
I quite enjoyed this book. I’m not too sure whether I would gear this towards a MG or YA audience. I feel like if you are a fan of either one, this could be a fun book to devour.
Fenlen1There’s creepy forests, a mysterious boy, and a family that just down-right freaked me out. About a third of the way through, the story shifts into a slightly darker take that reminded me of a twisted reality.
There were moments that I did find myself confused with the world building, but I think it adds a layer of suspense to the plot.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. It was enjoyable, and I think that if you love whimsical, enchanted, forbidden forest vibes, this one is for you!
January 16, 2021
This is a book that I actually won in a giveaway by a local publishing company! I entered, not expecting to win, but then I did! So, it’s been sitting on my shelf for a little while, until recently when the inspiration to read it struck me. To be honest, I really didn’t have high expectations, but it pleasantly surprised me! I had this idea that books published by smaller publishing companies aren’t as good, but I know that that’s not necessarily true. The book wasn’t super amazing, but it was pretty good! I wasn’t super into it at first, but as it went on I became more invested. The writing is a little bit amateur, with more telling and less showing; it was a bit confusing at times and didn’t have enough world building or explanations of certain elements; and the passage of time was unclear at times and a bit confusing, BUT the concept and the world it’s set in is very interesting and creative. It was surprisingly good, and I quite enjoyed it!
August 2, 2019
This was way different from what I thought it was going to be as from the back of the book I thought it was going to a urban fantasy/mystery involving the Fae but no it is a fantasy novel about a mysterious forest. So it was not for me and to me it just seem to slow for my tastes.
February 20, 2024
It was… interesting. The story isn’t what I wanted or hoped it would be, but I still liked it. The pace wasn’t gripping by any means, but it was easy enough to get through.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews