The Changeling’s Daughter
R. Chris Reeder
Young Adult Fantasy
Coming of Age/Quest
December 13, 2018
Black Rose Writing
Paperback $20.95
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About the book
Fourteen-year-old Brynn McAwber discovers a terrible truth
about herself and her family and must undergo a perilous quest to another
world, to save a friend and redeem her soul.
Unusual things have been happening to Brynn McAwber. A
strange little man keeps showing up at her door. She's being watched by a
mysterious woman with a sword strapped to her back. And her body
keeps...disappearing.
When Brynn discovers the terrible truth about herself and
her family, she embarks on a perilous quest, which takes her far from Indiana,
far from the world she knows, into the Land of Annwfyn, home of brownies and
bwbachods, xanas and zephyrs, goblins and gods.
This is the story of a girl who finds out she's supposed to
be the villain, but decides to be the hero anyway.
My review
A most unusual and amazing anti-hero questing fantasy not
just for young people has arrived.
Up front caution: although I could watch this story
unfolding in epic technicolor and would recommend it to teens with an advanced
reading level, I caution parents who care that a fair amount of profanity when
a couple of shock value uses would have been enough, some gore, and a generous
vocabulary boost this story into a tween/early teen caution level. Some parents
may want to check it out first.
For the rest of us, Reeder’s maiden fantasy is a delight. I
admit I intended to read enough for a good review, but didn’t look up except
for touchdowns during the Packers-Bears football game until I was finished.
Using an anti-hero, in this case a typically-misunderstood creature of folklore
hiding in plain sight, as a champion certainly isn’t new, but the author’s
ability to recombine fantasy elements into a true hero’s journey makes for a
fresh, entertaining read.
Brynn’s family secret stems not simply from their traditionally
accepted roles but also how they are perceived by others. When Brynn’s best
friend Makayla suddenly turns against her, Brynn’s loyalty and character are
tested in ways that help her understand and grow into the kind of person she’s
meant to become. Makayla’s defection is not the only weird thing happening to
Brynn these days. When faced with disaster, Brynn’s options are to do the right
thing by her friend no matter the odds, or be the expected generic typecast of
her kind. Knowing Makayla would never willingly abandon her gives Brynn the
strength to fight not just for physical rescue, but for the decision to live a
meaningful, positive family lifestyle.
Told through the eyes of Brynn, the fourteen-year-old main
character, The Changeling’s Daughter is a lovely adventure for readers who
enjoy a good old-fashioned questing tale with surprising heroes unafraid to
challenge even themselves.
About the author
R. Chris Reeder grew up in the Pacific Northwest, attended
college in Walla Walla, Washington, and has lived and worked across the country
and around the world.
He has had careers as a Shakespearean actor, an international courier, and a
singing activist, but is now perfectly content in his current vocation of
stay-at-home father.
He currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife, two children, and a
cat named Monster Jack.
www.rchrisreeder.com
www.facebook.com/rchrisreederauthor
