Changeling (Sorcery and Society, #1)

by Molly Harper

[kimbacaffeinate]

Imagine mixing a potion of all of your favorite stories. Let’s start with Charmed and the power of three, then add in Harry Potter with schools for the magically gifted, familiars and loads of secrets. Let us not forget the non-magical folks known as Snipes (Guttersnipes), and the Ministry of Magic known as the Guardian of Law. Add a pinch of the Moorchild with changelings. Next,  stir in a Victorian setting with a smidge of steampunk and vivid characters who breathe life into the tale. Stir counterclockwise and poof you have Changeling the first novel in the Sorcery and Society novels.

The book was full of so many elements I loved about each of the books and series mentioned but Molly Harper adds her own little spins from magical books to secrets.

14-year-old snipe, Sarah Smith has her life irrevocably changed when a series of incidents, childhood rebellion and kindness cause her to reveal magical ability in front of her guardians. A magical ability she didn’t know she possessed and according to the law is downright impossible. To protect everyone in the household and mayhap for personal gain, Sarah is transformed into a distant cousin and renamed, Cassandra Reed. In the blink of an eye she goes from scullery maid to student. They enroll her at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies. 

The tale that unfolds has magic, mean girls, friendships, a touch of romance, loads of secrets.  It was an engaging tale that kept me listening into the wee hours. I loved watching Cassandra gain confidence and find herself. Along the way she will make startling discoveries, friendships and enemies.  As her confidence grew we discover this kind, but cheeky young woman. It was delightful.

The overall story arc for the series itself stems from secrets about an unnamed House, and changelings. I am keen to see what direction Harper takes the story. I already love the motley crew of friends, Cassandra has surrounded herself with. Mrs Warren and her family also added interest, humor and support. I am hoping we learn more about Ivy and Alicia’s magical condition.

While I loved the fast-pace of the story,  I am really hoping we gain more information about the history of the Houses, magic and how society members like the Warren’s became responsible for the snipe families. We gained some information about this guardian society and I geeked out over the science aspects but I want more and would love a full-length prequel.

Amanda Ronconi was the perfect narrator for Changeling. I loved her voices for Cassandra, the school librarian and Mary. While I felt she sometimes broke accent, she gave each character a distinct voice and enhanced the climactic scenes along with the humorous ones. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer