Changeling by Steve Feasey

January 2009, MacMillan Children's Books

277 pages

Review Copy

YA, urban fantasy, horror (mild)

Cushions: 4/5

Daggers: 3/5

Tears: 3/5

Yunaleska's recommended rating ♥♥♥♥♥+

Note: I have no idea why the hearts have become so large. It isn't an attempt to say 'I love this book more than all the others'. It's in the top band of books, but isn't my favourite. A bibliophile can't pick just one favourite book. It's impossible.

This is probably the third book involving vampires, werewolves and other dark creatures which I've reviewed here. It's definitely the second book which has me thinking 'so this is why vampires are so popular'.

One morning Trey wakes up to find his room a complete wreck and that he hasn't got any clothes on. This is slightly more problematic when the care home owner tries to escort him to the unit where difficult children reside. A strange man saves Trey from that fate by pretending to be his uncle. Trey knows he isn't, but wisely keeps his mouth shut for the man who can slow down time. Whisked away by the man, Changeling charts Trey's journey as he slowly accepts the truth of Lucien the stinking rich vampire that he is indeed a werewolf. Also that his parents didn't die in a car accident, that an uber evil vampire is seeking Trey's death, that Lucien's half vampire daughter has an incredible shopping spree vice, and Tom the irishman is the closest person to normal that he will see (apart from the housekeeper).

Werewolves, seen it all before you may say. Not this seven foot beast who can only see demons' true forms when he transforms. Some of the demons have me glad I read this during the day. Changeling very much focuses of Trey's fear of what he is. He is petrified, as any normal boy would be. After all, he's with - and is - from a group of 'creatures' who he's only heard about in myths. Not all myths are true, as the demoncyclopedia at the back explains. Additionally, it gives a summary of each creature and best methods of annihilation. For readers who like things that go boom, fire and explosions are very good killing options.

Most of the book is taken up with Trey's acceptance of himself, but there's lots of twists, action scenes, unexpected events which kept me happy for just under two hours. I had to look up what to class this under (didn't think I could put 'the underworld' as a genre). Apparently urban fantasy (vaguely understand that) and horror. I'm looking at it thinking 'what horror?' but I guess it is a little scary. Not so scary I'd put it down though, so definitely mild in the horror side of things. Either that or I'm used to strange creatures thanks to all the sci-fi shows I watch.

The best part was that I had the sequel beside me on the sofa. The not so fun part - book through isn't out until February 2010.

Steve Feasey's website is found here.

Liked this? Try Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead