The Changeling Quest: Children of the Fae

by Maria Moloney

The full power of the freezing water crashed into them, knocking them off their feet, snatching Tara's breath away. She managed to hook one arm around the handrail, trying her best to hold onto Lucy with the other. As one side of the bridge collapsed, Lucy's feet scrabbled to keep a footing, but she slipped down the wooden planks. Tara lost her grip, but managed to grab Lucy's hand as she held it out. She was left dangling over the water.

'I can't hold on, Tara. Don't let me fall! Please don't let go!' Lucy begged, her hand beginning to slip from Tara's.

There was no time to think. 'No, I won't let you go, Lucy.' With that, Tara let go of the handrail and they plunged together into the raging torrent.'

Tara realises there is something strange about herself when every time she goes into water her fingers begin to web and legs feel funny. But then her sister Niamh is a changeling, a fairy child exchanged for a human child ten years before. Now it's time for Niamh to return to her own world, and Tara and friends, Lucy and Jared, intend to go with her.

(This book has UK English spelling)

210 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2013

About the author

Maria Moloney is the author of five non-fiction books under her pseudonym, including a book on faeries, as well as currently writing her children’s fiction series. She is a teacher of creative writing, writer, publicist, and editor. After writing for many years, she decided to study for a degree in Imaginative Writing and Literature, and went on to study both Writing and Research at postgraduate level. As a mother of five, stepmother of four and grandmother of five lovely granddaughters, Maria has had plenty of children to practice her writing on. Maria’s love of Ireland as well as the mystical areas of Wiltshire, Somerset, Cornwall and Wales, led to her using these magical places as settings for her book series, Children of the Fae. An interest in myth and folklore has provided her with ample material for the adventures of Tara, Niamh and co, in the Otherworld realms.

Reviews

[Bewkwerm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some children find themselves in another world and experience many trials and tribulations, with numerous adventures and eye openers for the characters and readers alike.

As a young boy I grew up reading books in which the story revolves around children as main characters and they are the heroes. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Treasure Island, Huckleberry Finn, Secret Seven, Famous Five, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Faraway Tree, Charlotte’s Web, Danny Champion of the World and Georges Marvellous Medicine to name but a few. All of these books have one thing in common and that is to take the young readers mind on an adventure where they themselves can imagine they are part of the story. I have a high bench mark (as one can see with the aforementioned books) and I’m also quite fussy and have a propensity to drop a book after the first chapter if I believe it doesn’t cut it.

The Changeling Quest is a fascinating read. From the outset the reader is thrown into a fast paced gripping story. With some descriptive writing, very imaginative mystical characters and a fascinating plot, it certainly gets the pages turning. I’m an adult now (young at heart) yet whilst reading it I frequently found myself thoroughly immersed in this vivid fantasy world. My senses came alive. I could almost perceive every sound and visualise and experience the surroundings around me.

I can’t say too much (although I would love to) as I don’t want to spoil this book for other readers. But it is without doubt a somewhat epic and impressive journey. It meanders along many twists and turns and I found myself intrigued by some of the unusual characters the children stumble across during their travels. To find the book somewhat unpredictable was also quite refreshing.

I guess the book is aimed at teenagers, and I planned to read it as one would a normal book – you know (as an adult) when one finds time. I ended up reading The Changeling Quest from cover to cover in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. I feel this is a book that will set young minds alight. With plenty of adventure and a touch of imagination, a young reader will be whisked off to a magic realm where children make the difference.

For me this book ticks all the boxes necessary for a great fantasy story. You never know what’s around the corner and what may ensue. I would have loved this as a kid and I’m sure my daughter will enjoy it too when she’s a little older.

My only question now is when can I read the next one?

[Krystina Kellingley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner! I was lost in this from the first few lines. I loved the otherwordly creatures and I found myself totally involved with the children and their struggles. The characters are great, all of them have their flaws but they all care about each other which makes them believable. Even Zalen, who I thought was just a greedy, selfish coward at the start changes to reveal another aspect to him as the story develops. The plot is well paced and exciting and I was both satisfied and sad when I reached the end. Can't wait for the next in the series.

[Cricket Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magical story pulled me in from the beginning. It was that perfect mix of danger and playfulness that characterizes a successful children's story, so just wonderful. Fast moving plot, never dull. The characters were all likable or otherworldly or frightening--Zalen especially intrigued me. Just overall a fun book that left me sad to go back to ordinary life without gateways and sylphs and sinister fairyland plots. A sequel???

[Itara ~*My Midnight Fantasies*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

From reading the synopses I thought, Oh wow this book is going to be adventurous, and it was! This story is about a girl called Tara who lives with her sister Niamh, Uncle Fergus, and her mom. Uncle Fergus has told stories about this child from another world being changed for another, Niamh and Tara not knowing what to believe set out to find out who Niamh really was and to find Tara’s actual sister. As Niamh could not keep the excitement to herself, she invited her best friend Lucy; who could not go anywhere without her big brother Jared, so he also went on the journey. So much happened to these poor kids there had to be someone plotting against them, there was evil plotting and betrayals. But not all things that happened were bad; there was magic, wonder, and innocence. They were in danger because of who they were and they couldn’t change that, they had to find a way to survive while trying to find out who they were. Princess Donella was a special character for me because her parents were trapped in a secret island called Ynys Is and her Aunt Marvaanagh never showed her any affection. She wasn’t happy living with her aunt, she looked forward to her annual visits to her other aunt, Aunt Gwyn; she was the only one who Donella felt really cared for her. I thought all the characters had great development but I really was rooting for Donella to find happiness.

I really enjoyed this story. The scenery was amazing, the descriptions of the castles, and the dresses. It was all so enchanting, I felt. In the Otherworld things are not what they seem, and that was a huge part of the plot; the excitement of finding out the mysteries. Although I didn't figure out the secrets ahead of time, I enjoyed the unraveling of the secrets. I was at the edge of seat a lot in this story and I can’t wait for the next one, I’m sure it will also knock my socks off.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really liked it! It was full of adventure and kept me guessing at the mysteries! It was a pleasant escape into an enchanting world and I look forward to reading a sequel.

[Nimue Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA fantasy mixing traditional faerie lore with a wealth of original ideas and characters. It's a good adventure, ideal for young pagan readers or anyone else who loves folklore and poper faeries. My inner child took much delight in this tale.

[Cally Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was like embarking on a wonderful and exciting adventure. The story grabbed me right from the very start with vivid magical imagery and believable characters to keep you guessing until the very end. I just had to keep turning the pages. The characters of the four children are interesting and appealing, taking the reader on one exciting adventure after another. The magical characters they meet along the way, with their unique qualities and gifts, keep the reader guessing as we're never completely sure whether their intentions are kind or evil.

I loved the book, it reminded me of the Enid Blyton books of old, and took me back to the exciting adventures I read about in my childhood of the famous five and the magic faraway tree! I definitely recommend it to anybody who is looking for an exciting book for a child (or even their parents!).

I am looking forward to the next book in the 'Children of the Fae' series.