Sorcery and Society Book 1“Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING!” —Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 seriesIf 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for … first day at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies without anyone discovering her secret, maybe, just maybe, she’ll let herself believe that she really does belong at Miss Castwell’s.
Except Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor…
But Snipes aren’t supposed to have magical powers…and the existence of a magical Snipe threatens the world order dictated during the Guardians’ Restoration years ago. If she wants to keep her family safe and protect her own skin, Sarah must figure out how to fit into posh Guardian society, master her newfound magical powers and discover the truth about how an ordinary girl can become magical.
“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise
Includes eight original illustrations!
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Changeling by Molly Harper
1st book in the Sorcery and Society series. YA magic. Historical with a touch of steampunk.
Society is divided between the magic users as upper class and those without magic as the servant class. 14 year old Sarah has been sickly as long as she can remember until one day she saves a vase using magic. The family she works for forces Sarah into impersonating as a distant relative and she finds herself in a magic school she is ill-prepared for. Magic familiars, competitive classmates and a book that can’t be read are all part of the strange new world for Sarah.
Engaging and enthralling, I was hooked listening to the audio.
Now that Sarah, aka Cassandra has magic, she needs to figure out who she is inside. Nice? Snarky? A follower? Turns out she doesn’t want to be influenced by who can make her important.
Growing pains.
I really liked Owen’s growth and that Gavin didn’t disappoint.
I enjoyed this “coming of age” troupe paranormal and will read the second as soon as possible.
This is a story about 14 year old Cassandra Reed starting at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies. Cassandra has a secret and doesn’t think she belongs at Miss Castwell’s.
Cassandra Reed’s real name is Sarah Smith and up until now, she lived her whole life in the Warren, serving a magical family, the Winters, as all non-magical “Snipes” are bound by magical Guardian law to do. That is, until one day, Sarah accidentally levitates Mrs. Winter’s favorite vase in the parlor…
This story goes on like a society school for girls who just happen to practice magic. I like how this young girl discovers things about herself just like all girls find out things growing up (but we are not magical).
I have really liked this book. The world-building is excellent, and all the characters are interesting. I like this alternative dystopian Regency with magic. And I really like the main character – flawed, human and very relatable. I was excited to see her come into her own power and loved the atmosphere the author has created at the academy and all the subjects she has invented. It is a bit like a Cinderella retelling, but a Cinderella of a heroic variety, and with a questionable godmother. I sincerely recommend this book.
A very original magic story. Not only because of the content and characters but also the clever use of an alternate universe English history to highlight class disparities. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I bought Changeling because I enjoy Molly Harper’s other books but I put it towards the bottom of my TBR pile because of the age of the main character. I thought that it might be too juvenile for my senior years. That was a mistake. I decided to read this book yesterday and it grabbed me right away. I read it straight through the wee hours of the morning and before I went to sleep I purchased the next book in the series. I usually change things up by reading a different type of book but instead am getting ready to dive into Fledgling.
“This is the Raven’s Rest. Sniveling self-doubt has no place here.”
A wonderful debut for the Sorcery and Society series that takes us into the life of Sarah Smith turned Cassandra Reed. Do check out my partial review of it posted on NetGalley! (link is https://www.netgalley.com/book/146007/review/455949)
A fun book to read. See full review at https://thesciencefictionfantasybookstore.wordpress.com/2019/03/05/combining-teenage-angst-with-magic-the-changeling-by-molly-harper/
Sarah Smith thought herself unmagical. After all, she was a Snipe (kind of like a muggle), growing up serving as a maid in the Winters household. Until one day she stops a vase from falling by levitating it. Suddenly Sarah Smith becomes Cassandra Reed, cousin of the Winter family. Elevated into magical society and sent off to boarding school. Talk about culture shock! Cassandra must hide who she really is, and somehow look as if she’s lived in this world her whole life. If anyone finds out she was once a Snipe, their whole society might crumble. But would that really be a bad thing???
I thought The Changeling was a lot of fun. It didn’t take itself too seriously and I was allowed to enjoy each moment in the story without overthinking the plot. Cassandra was ok as a heroine. She spent the first half of the book in shock and when she finally accepts her role her character started to grow and become interesting. Her experience as a Snipe, living unnoticed among the magical society made her see their world through cynical eyes, although those eyes did not always see things very clearly. I enjoyed the good vs evil sub plot and I was kept guessing on the bad guy. If you’re jonesing for a quick Harry Potter-esque novel I think you’ll enjoy The Changeling. At times I expected Hermione would walk around the corner of this girls school and join in the fun! I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!
I was surprised and excited when I saw Molly Harper had a young adult book out! I love her adult books and I LOVED the Changeling. My only regret with it was that it lacked what I think makes a book a MOLLY HARPER book – the humor. While there was some in this book it wasn’t nearly what I’ve come to expect from her style. No complaints about the actual book though!
And Amanda Ronconi is a narrating goddess. She’s always done a fabulous job, but I had no idea she could do accents and that she was amazing at them!! I am blown away by her talent!!
Young Adult fantasy and so good!
Changeling was a really fun and cute read. I’ve enjoyed Molly Harper’s previous books and was excited to check out her venture into the young adult genre. I had a blast reading it! It’s a fairly quick read that kept my attention the whole way through.
Sarah/Cassandra was a great character. Her whole life is turned upside down when it’s discovered that she has magic. She goes through a lot in the process – some good, some bad, but her attitude and resolve remained steady and I admired her strength through it all.
The world building and magic system was interesting. I’ve seen Changeling compared to Harry Potter multiple times and while I can kinda see the similarities, it’s definitely it’s own story and is different in a lot of ways. It’s a really great read that I believe young adults and grown ups alike will enjoy. I’m really excited to find out what happens in the sequel!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I think this book is one of Molly Harper’s best. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.