The Changeling’s Journey by Christine Spoors | A newly published book that feels like an old folklore tale

Do you guys realise how thrilled I am to be finally writing this review? To finally have read a friend’s book, to have it in my hands and see the words she spent so long writing? GAHHHH.

Let’s dive right in!

(Found on Goodreads)

Ailsa is dead. Leaving Morven the last surviving changeling in the village. Everyone knows it is only a matter of time before she too is dead. Desperate to find out why the fairies steal human babies, and to save her own life, she leaves her family behind, travelling north into the fairy kingdoms with her best friend.

They soon find that making their way through vast magical forests, across kelpie-ridden lochs and over seemingly endless mountain ranges is more than they were prepared for. Despite the countless evenings spent listening to stories about adventures, fairies and magic, they find themselves out of their depth. Fighting to stay alive.

Meanwhile in the fairy kingdoms, Princess Freya of Culhuinn struggles to cope with life now that her love has been taken from her. Whilst Queen Euna of Norbroch spends more time lost in her memories than she does ruling her kingdom.

One changeling’s journey to save her life will alter their world forever.

*Thank you Christine for sending me a copy of this book! Though I am a friend of Christine’s, I can assure you that this in no way affects my opinion on the book. 

Oh my goodness, a book inspired by Scotland that is actually written by a Scot! What a rarity. And honestly, the difference is so obvious because the scottish elements in this were incredible. Screw all the stereotypes, this book was actually genuine. Even I could tell, as English as I am. It was actually so refreshing to read something inspired by Scotland and not have it packed with stereotypes. Scotland isn’t populated entirely with ginger kilt-wearers, y’know.  Instead, I was filled with a warm fuzzy feeling that surrounds me every time I remember my (too brief) adventures there. Which was perfect, considering this book was full of it’s own adventures.

What to discuss next, when I could babble all day about how great this book is?

Let’s go with the characters.

I loved them. Simple as that. We have the leading ladies – the people we read the perspectives of – and every single one of them I adored. I have to say Freya is my favourite, but each of them were so strong in different ways, containing weaknesses too that made them seem human (or…fae? Wut?). Even the side characters had so much to them, so much personality.

On a related note, I adored the LGBT+ aspects. In this world, being gay or bi is completely normal, completely acceptable. It doesn’t set you apart from anyone else. It’s not made a fuss of. It simple IS. Not only did I adore seeing such a welcome acceptance – I really appreciated it.

It’s very much needed.

The writing itself had me from the start. I remember reading the first page and updating instagram to say I was hooked already. Something about it just reminded me of fairytales, or people sitting around a fire telling folklore stories, which was honestly perfect for this book. I mean, it was inspired by folklore, after all. And about that – the way different elements of folklore were brought into the story was so subtle, it just blended like a dream. Without realising, you learn about Will-o-the-wisps, Wulver, Fae, Changelings…

I did debate with my rating for a small while. Originally, I was going to give it 4.5 stars, but then I realised – the only reason the rating was lower was from my own fault. I took this book on holiday but could only read it during my journey there and back, meaning I left it alone for a week. Had I not done that, I KNOW I’d have flew through this book. I mean, I read the majority of it on my journey home and was so engrossed, I barely noticed the 6+ hour journey. And aside from a few mistakes here and there, I honestly can’t fault this book at all. So a full 5 star rating it is from me!

Rated 5/5 stars!

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Share your thoughts!

Have you read this book? What did you think?

If you haven’t, do you plan to?

Let me know in the comments!

Until next time…

Come and visit me!