Changling: Order of Darkness, Book 1

Gr 7–9—The first title (Simon Pulse, 2012) in a projected series by Gregory is set in Europe in 1453. Luca Vera, 17, is expelled from his monastery and accused of heresy for studying the sciences while serving the church. Isolde is being kept in a nunnery so she won't inherit her father's estate. The two meet when Luca, who has been inducted into a secret sect called The Order of the Dragon, is sent to investigate the charges of witchcraft that have been leveled against Isolde. They fall in love and Lucas helps her escape. The pair, along with their trusty companions Freize and Ishraq, battle medieval horrors as they look for the secrets of The Order of the Dragon. Along the way, they meet werewolves, alchemists, witches, and more. The plot is banal, but Charlie Cox's narration is magical and his delivery of the action sequences is flawless. He's best when voicing Freize, Luca's the cocky and humorous servant, but he also does a superb job with the female voices. A supplementary purchase for fantasy aficionados and fans of Gregory's previous novels.—Pamela Schembri, Newburgh Enlarged City Schools, NY