Changeling

Brief Description: In 1453, seventeen-year-old Luca Vero, accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, is recruited to help investigate evil across Europe but frees his first subject, Isolde, from captivity in a nunnery, and together they seek the one who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness. Biographical Note: Philippa Gregory is the author of several bestselling novels, including "The Other Boleyn Girl," and is a recognized authority on women's history. She studied history at the University of Sussex and received a Ph. D. at the University of Edinburgh. She welcomes visitors to her website, PhilippaGregory.com. Marc Notes: Map on lining pages.; In 1453, seventeen-year-old Luca Vero, accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, is recruited to help investigate evil across Europe but frees his first subject, Isolde, from captivity in a nunnery, and together they seek the one who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.; Ages 14 up. Publisher Marketing: Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of "The Other Boleyn Girl.""" Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous--and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year--the end of days. Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can't inherit any of her father's estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft--and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape. Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon. The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory's trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past--and its salacious scandals--vividly and disturbingly to life. Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2012 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 06/11/2012 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

Voice of Youth Advocates 08/01/2012 pg. 260 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2012 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 10/01/2012 pg. 134 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2012 pg. 97 (EAN 9781442453449, Hardcover)

Publishers Weekly 06/25/2012 pg. 172 (EAN 9781442350236, Compact Disc) - *Starred Review

Audio File 08/01/2012 pg. 39 (EAN 9781442350236, Compact Disc)

School Library Journal 01/01/2013 pg. 60 (EAN 9781442350236, Compact Disc)

Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2012 (EAN 9781442453463, Open Ebook)

School Library Journal 10/01/2012 pg. 134 (EAN 9781442453463, Open Ebook)

Contributor Bio:  Gregory, Philippa Philippa Gregory is the author of several bestselling novels, including "The Other Boleyn Girl". She studied history at the University of Sussex and received a Ph. D. from the University of Edinburgh. Visit her website at PhilippaGregory.com.