Book Review: Changeling by William Ritter

Once upon a time there was a goblin named Kull who took on a mission to steal a human baby and leave a changeling in its place. Things being what they were, Kull was interrupted in the process. When he looked back, both babes looked the same and he couldn't pick out the changeling. So, he left them both.

The babies are named Cole and Tinn. They are raised as twin brothers by their mother after their father disappears. When they are 12, Kull comes back and leaves them a note with a map informing them that one of them is a changeling and just return to the goblins or he would die. The boys take this at face value and set out together since they don't know which of them is the changeling either. Adventures ensue.

I like that Cole and Tinn are raised together and that their mother appears to love the pair unconditionally. And she loves them fiercely, protectively. She follows them into the woods seeking them. She isn't passive or evil. I like that it doesn't matter to the boys or their mother that one of them is a changeling.

The pace of the book is generally fine. There are a few places where it slows down a little, but it still manages to keep the reader's attention. You will want to know what happens next.

There is an overall feeling of fantasy and fairy tale to the story. There are these two boys who go into the Wild Wood and the Oddmire. This is what they find there and what happens to them.

This book is aimed at middle-graders. It takes place in the same world as the young adult Jackaby series. I don't read many middle-grade books, but this one is definitely worth a read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it primarily for kids who enjoy fantasy and fairy tales. The evil they encounter may seem too scary for some, but generally the level of danger is acceptable. Overall, it is a good book with themes of family and unconditional love that is worth the time to read alone or together with an adult.

Changeling book one in the Oddmire series by William Ritter was published July 16th, 2019 by Algonquin Young Readers.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.