by Molly Harper
Series: Sorcery and Society #1
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Length: 8 hours and 21 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cuppas
If 14-year-old Cassandra Reed makes it through her 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.
Changeling is the first in the Sorcery and Society series by Molly Harper. When I saw Amanda Ronconi would narrate, I knew I had to listen. Boarding schools, dark secrets, magical books, social classes and suspense await you.
Guttersnipe, Guardian Laws, Houses
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.
Changeling the first in the Sorcery and Society series by Molly Harper was a delightful blend of some of my favorite YA tales. Amanda Ronconi delivered with a fun narration. #loveaudiobooks #fantasy #magic Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kay @ It's a Book Life
Secrets, magic, and boarding schools, this sounds like my cup of tea! Thanks for bringing it to my attention. 😀
Adriana@BooksOnHerMind
The premise sounds like something I’ve heard of before but I like the idea of it anyways. I’d love to see her challenge the hierarchy of Snipes and Magical families.
You mentioned mean girls and ugh. This is a YA novel so I hope it isn’t crazy too cliche. Maybe I’m overthinking.
I love that she grows to be this kind and cheeky girl.
I’m sure a prequel or sequel will come out to answer your questions about the background info. It would make sense for the author to do so.
Kimberly
The mean girls wasn’t the central theme, more finding herself and friends while dealing with her magic and more…
Olivia Roach
Oh man, I absolutely love books which feature boarding schools. It’s funny because I don’t think I would have enjoyed going to one as a teen or child or anything. But I just like reading about them. Also, I am surprised at such a young protagonist! YA seems to tend towards the older kids these days so it’s nice to see some younger characters.
Kimberly
I couldn’t resist this one and it paid off.
Stephanie Jane (Literary Flits)
This sounds like a fun blending of familiar ideas, but one that manages to create its own identity too. I’m intrigued by your review 🙂
Kimberly
Thanks Stephanie. This was a fun one.
Angela @ Simply Angela
I’m such a Molly Harper fan but I’m just not sure about this series. I’ve never really been a big Harry Potter or Charmed fan and I keep hearing this one compared to them but I’m also very intrigued to see what this is all about.
Kimberly
Ah, maybe a library try Angela?
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
One of these days I’ll read my first Molly Harper (I have several!). Has she written a disappointing book yet? Enjoyed your review.
Kimberly
I have only listened to 3 and read a novella which was meh.
Jennifer
The only book of Harper’s I DNF was the Haunting one. I can’t remember the full title. I think it may have been my mood. I plan on trying it again at some point. I’ve been watching my library for this one.
Kimberly
That was my first read and it was meh for me.
sherry fundin
Wow. This sounds fabulous. The combination of all that goodness has to be a hit.
Kimberly
It was fun and I look forward to seeing where she takes it.
Karen
I love Harper and I’m so excited that she’s writing YA. I’ll be reading this one for sure.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Kimberly
I hope you love it Karen.
Jen
You know, I passed on this one because it is YA, but after reading a couple reviews, I think I need to get this one ASAP. I do love Molly Harper’s humor and world building. Thanks for the review!
Kimberly
Yep, I did as a book as well ..but the narrator and my new found love for Harper had me cave. Maybe the library? You can’t lose.
Melanie Simmons
I’m debating about trying this book. I love Molly Harper, but I’m really picky about YA novels, especially if it is in a school setting (I seem to do best with dystopian YA), but I’ve read some outside of a school setting and I tend to like those much better. You do make me want to give this a try though. Great review.
Kimberly
I totally get it. I am curious to see what will happen in the next.
Lorna
I love Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi. I have seen this one around, but was really not sure about it(never read Harry Potter and never wanted to.) and not really a fantasy fan. But, I swear you can entice me to read(listen)to the telephone book with your reviews. I think I might try it as I have 4 credits burning a hole in my pocket.
Kimberly
Thank you Lorna. That means a lot. *whispers..Never read Harry Potter? How can this be? I think you should try Changeling….it might open magical doors for you.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Oh wow, you had me with that first paragraph. This combines so many of my favorites and sounds wonderful!
Kimberly
Sweet. Enjoy!
Tyler H. Jolley
Kimba, your opening paragraph of the review is one of the most beautiful reviews I’ve ever read. Also, the mean girl stuff, my daughter is 7 and it’s already starting. How is this possible??? I never had to deal with that stuff with my boys.
Kimberly
Awe. Thanks Tyler. Yes, mean girls are very real. I am so glad my own children are done with that and hope to heck the Royals survive.
Stefanie
That is a high cuppa rating you’ve given this book. I sure like the sound of it! Gonna add it to my TBR.
Kimberly
And your daughter can listen too!
Debbie Haupt
Ah the falters of book 1 in a series. I’ve seen this around and it seems like everyone wants more from it. Thanks Kim I have enjoyed other things by Molly
Kimberly
Yes and hopefully book two gives us just that 🙂
Angela Adams
The first sentence of the blurb had me hooked! Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Yes great synopsis!
blodeuedd
I can’t wait for more 🙂 I did like this world and yes Ranconi is great
Kimberly
Yay. The waiting is hard 🙁
kindlemom1
Okay, definitely adding this one to the pile. It sounds so fun!
Kimberly
Woot!
Heidi
Hmm…. I will consider this one. I like the sound of the magic and all that, but not the mean girls. I do not like mean girl themes.
Kimberly
It is definitely an element. I am hoping book two delves more into the central themes.
Northwoman
I love this author and narrator but I’ve been on the fence about this one. But it sounds like one I might want to try. YA can be a problem for me. Great review! Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Oh I hear you. I am the Queen of abandoned YA trilogies.
Mary Kirkland
With so many elements that I enjoy in a book, I think this will be going on my wish list.
Kimberly
This was fun and even though it is YA, it does have a lot of things you love in the books I’ve read your reviews of.
Melliane
I enjoyed this author but I didn’t know about this series so I confess that I’m curious!
Kimberly
Glad I was able to share
Nick
Sounds very interesting. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book about boarding schools. I’ll have to look into it.
Kimberly
Same here Nick, but I am glad I jumped in.
Stormi Johnson
I love Molly Harper especially when she is paired with Amanda Ronconi, so this is going on my list! 🙂
Kimberly
Yes the are magic together
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
Huh. This sounds like an interesting story. The author definitely put a lil dash of everything into it.
Kimberly
It was a lot of fun on audio.
ShootingStarsMag
I am SO behind on all of Molly’s books, and I really do love them This one sounds like a fun one!
-Lauren
Kimberly
I could see you loving this Lauren!
Trisha
This sounds like a truly fun read, like Harry Potter and Red Queen had a book baby. Thanks for the suggestion!
Kimberly
Oooh yes that could be Trisha!
Nadene
This world sounds fun. The fact that it reads like a blend of magical stories such as Charmed makes me interested to learn more.
Kimberly
It was fun and yes, it is exactly like that 🙂
Ailyn Koay
sounds suspiciously like Red Queen by Aveyard, although I hope that no one is really trying to kill her
Kimberly
No, a wee bit different 🙂