“I thought my parents were killed when two runaway packhorses threw off their loads at the Ebonson Carrying Company…I was wrong.”
Queen Victoria ascends the throne in 1831 and heralds in a new era of prosperity for the British Empire. Whilst the great Norlong and Ebonson families fly the flag for the British Empire, Edward Urwin spends his time scratching pieces of art into the cobblestones of … cobblestones of Birmingham.
Life is straightforward for Edward until a strange old man approaches him in the street. With the help of Henry Beechworth, Edward learns to read and use his special talents to win a place at St. John’s Boarding School.
But it isn’t all down to good fortune. Edward doesn’t realise he’s under control of forces far more powerful than him. Forces that are determined to shape him in their image. Forces that are determined to bury the mystery of the demise of the Urwin family for good…
Check out the first books of my other series, including Made in Yorkshire and the War Years.
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At first there are ups,(happiness) and downs, then it just moves to tragedy after tragedy. The book does remain interesting, I had hoped for a better outcome.
Usually read science fiction but like historic fiction also. This is a good story of young Edward Irwin, a young boy in 19th century England who is not who he seems-and neither are the people around him. A good read.
Love to read about a different time and place
A nice story of early modern England… enjoyed it…felt like reading Ken Follet or Jeffrey Archer… though not as dramatic… but equally interesting
This is a must read book. The author, James Farner, is a very creative and wonderful writer.
A different plot twist in this one. Kept me reading right along. *S*
I like historical novels. I like combining entertainment with learning. Some great twists and turns make this entertaining to read. 5 stars is a lousy format. 3 of 5 is too low, 4 of 5 is too high. I give this 7 of 10.
I enjoyed reading this title. Changing of the Guard was a real mystery with many twists and turns as it follows the life of a young boy as he grows to a young man. Very interesting.
Loved reading this book
Haunting look at life in pre-industrial England. Lots of twists and turns in the character development that held interest all the way thru. Anxious for next book in series.
Haunting and with shades of Dickens floating like tatters behind it. So many twists and turns it was shocking. The naivety and behaviors of the Victorian age outlining the gritty realities of the poor working class were gripping. A great story.
It wasn’t great
It kept me on the edge of my seat. A great read which kept me guessing.
Hard to follow sometimes.
Enjoyed this and look forward to the sequels. Interesting characters.
Did not like it. Hard to follow and poor editing.
Well written escapades set in Victorian England.
A good reD for those who love history
Read about halfway through. Writing was mannered, still couldn’t quite see where it was going, if anywhere. Kinda boring
Another book I read but it didn’t leave an impression.