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The Changeling
On her fourteenth birthday, Caiti NicNeven discovers her true mother is the queen of the Sidhe, the faery folk who dwell beneath Scotland’s hollow hills. Bound by ancient grievance, the faery queen demands Caiti become the instrument of her revenge against the mortal crown stolen a thousand years before.
Drawing on a dangerous magic she barely understands, Caiti flees. She finds refuge at the treacherous court of Mary, Queen of Scots. As fear and religious fervour grip the country, Mary is pressured into passing an Anti-Witchcraft Act, placing every woman – and every whispered spell – in peril.
Watching from the shadows, the faery queen tightens her hold. When Caiti falls in love with Robbie, the son of a local laird, her mother strikes, cursing him to dance himself to death beneath the faery moon.
To save the man she loves, Caiti must cross into the faery realm and confront the mother who would destroy her – and claim a wild, dangerous magic of her own.
Inspired by the true story of Scotland’s first witch-hunt, The Changeling is a spellbinding tale of witchcraft, forbidden love and defying fate.
Drawing on a dangerous magic she barely understands, Caiti flees. She finds refuge at the treacherous court of Mary, Queen of Scots. As fear and religious fervour grip the country, Mary is pressured into passing an Anti-Witchcraft Act, placing every woman – and every whispered spell – in peril.
Watching from the shadows, the faery queen tightens her hold. When Caiti falls in love with Robbie, the son of a local laird, her mother strikes, cursing him to dance himself to death beneath the faery moon.
To save the man she loves, Caiti must cross into the faery realm and confront the mother who would destroy her – and claim a wild, dangerous magic of her own.
Inspired by the true story of Scotland’s first witch-hunt, The Changeling is a spellbinding tale of witchcraft, forbidden love and defying fate.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Kate Forsyth
90 books2,644 followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 14, 2026
‘We did our best to help, healing hurts of the body and mind with our spells and songs, find what was lost, fixing what was broken.’
Set in 16th Century Scotland, 'The Changeling' is a captivating tale of folklore, family, faeries and destiny.
Raised by her Mam and Nan, who are Cunning Folk and use their gifts to heal rather than harm, Caiti has always known she is different.
‘Seeing was my curse. I could not summon it. I could not stop it. The Sight chose what I saw, and when.’
When her visions reveal the truth of her birth, and she learns of the curse she is destined to break, Caiti grapples with what she is asked to do - who she must become - and she runs. But as darkness closes in on those she loves, she must decide whether embracing her true nature is the only way to save them. In doing so, she may finally discover who she truly is.
Inspired by real events and testimonies following the passing of Scotland's Witchcraft Act, Kate Forsyth effortlessly blends Scottish folklore, history, and magic into a story that feels both enchanting and deeply human. I loved how the fantasy never overshadowed the characters or their relationships. Instead, the magic became another thread in a richly woven story about belonging, sacrifice, love, and the courage to accept who we truly are.
Although I felt the very end resolved a little too neatly after everything that had come before, it did little to diminish my enjoyment. Beautifully written and utterly immersive, *The Changeling* is a story that lingers long after the final page and was an effortless five-star read for me.
‘My gift was not to save people from their future. My gift was to bear witness… It took strength, it took courage, it took silence and honour to know another's pain’.
Set in 16th Century Scotland, 'The Changeling' is a captivating tale of folklore, family, faeries and destiny.
Raised by her Mam and Nan, who are Cunning Folk and use their gifts to heal rather than harm, Caiti has always known she is different.
‘Seeing was my curse. I could not summon it. I could not stop it. The Sight chose what I saw, and when.’
When her visions reveal the truth of her birth, and she learns of the curse she is destined to break, Caiti grapples with what she is asked to do - who she must become - and she runs. But as darkness closes in on those she loves, she must decide whether embracing her true nature is the only way to save them. In doing so, she may finally discover who she truly is.
Inspired by real events and testimonies following the passing of Scotland's Witchcraft Act, Kate Forsyth effortlessly blends Scottish folklore, history, and magic into a story that feels both enchanting and deeply human. I loved how the fantasy never overshadowed the characters or their relationships. Instead, the magic became another thread in a richly woven story about belonging, sacrifice, love, and the courage to accept who we truly are.
Although I felt the very end resolved a little too neatly after everything that had come before, it did little to diminish my enjoyment. Beautifully written and utterly immersive, *The Changeling* is a story that lingers long after the final page and was an effortless five-star read for me.
‘My gift was not to save people from their future. My gift was to bear witness… It took strength, it took courage, it took silence and honour to know another's pain’.
July 13, 2026
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Exceptional storytelling with a spellbinding storyline, The Changeling by Kate Forsyth has all the ingredients that had me captivated. I was hooked from the first chapter!
We follow Caiti NicNeven a young woman who on her fourteenth birthday alarmingly discovers she is the daughter of the Queen of the Sidhe (faery folk who dwell beneath Scotlands hollow hills) and as she flees to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots we follow her journey of forbidden love, witchcraft, treachery and survival as she confronts her mother and tries to embrace and grasp how to use her dangerous magic.
The Changeling offers an engaging tale of witch hunts, magic, faery changelings, Scottish folklore, curses, murder, self-discovery and misogyny. I found it richly atmospheric and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I felt for all the innocent women, the violence and cruelty they suffered made me feel so enraged.
The characters were brilliant and I felt emotionally invested in them all.
Richly researched and beautifully written the story was inspired by Scotland’s first witch-hunt. Highly recommend.
Publication Date 07 July 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
Exceptional storytelling with a spellbinding storyline, The Changeling by Kate Forsyth has all the ingredients that had me captivated. I was hooked from the first chapter!
We follow Caiti NicNeven a young woman who on her fourteenth birthday alarmingly discovers she is the daughter of the Queen of the Sidhe (faery folk who dwell beneath Scotlands hollow hills) and as she flees to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots we follow her journey of forbidden love, witchcraft, treachery and survival as she confronts her mother and tries to embrace and grasp how to use her dangerous magic.
The Changeling offers an engaging tale of witch hunts, magic, faery changelings, Scottish folklore, curses, murder, self-discovery and misogyny. I found it richly atmospheric and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I felt for all the innocent women, the violence and cruelty they suffered made me feel so enraged.
The characters were brilliant and I felt emotionally invested in them all.
Richly researched and beautifully written the story was inspired by Scotland’s first witch-hunt. Highly recommend.
Publication Date 07 July 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
July 7, 2026
thank you penguin for an ARC of this lovely book! this is the second book in a row that i received (without knowing anything about the author) that ended up being a newfound favorite!!! 🥹🥹🥹 pls don’t let this streak stop!!
beautiful, atmospheric, and utterly consuming. the first impression i got while reading this was how reminiscent the writing and themes were to juliet marillier’s (aka one of my fave authors ever) books!! the incredible celtic backdrop, luscious writing, and of course — seeing how utterly prejudiced our female MC is and yet still coming out strong and steadfast in her own way 🥹
i could not put this down! i thought this was incredibly fast-paced. so much was happening so quickly, maybe even too quickly at times. but wow the beautifully done family dynamic, the heartbreaking political outcomes, the sheer frustration and anger that comes from seeing SO much violent and cruelty falling on innocent women… it was a lot 🫠 but the fact that it made me so angry and sad for them made me love this book even more 💔❤️🩹
the romance was all-consuming. i could feel the yearning through the pages 😭 but i think the character growth of caiti was what stood out most to me. that and possibly the atmospheric and lyrical writing. these two made me fall head over heels for kate forsyth’s storytelling, and i absolutely cannot wait to read more of her books in the future 🥹 i LOVE discovering new authors and i’m so happy penguin introduced me to kate forsyth!!! i need moreee folklore/fae/fairytale stories like this in my life ✨✨
beautiful, atmospheric, and utterly consuming. the first impression i got while reading this was how reminiscent the writing and themes were to juliet marillier’s (aka one of my fave authors ever) books!! the incredible celtic backdrop, luscious writing, and of course — seeing how utterly prejudiced our female MC is and yet still coming out strong and steadfast in her own way 🥹
i could not put this down! i thought this was incredibly fast-paced. so much was happening so quickly, maybe even too quickly at times. but wow the beautifully done family dynamic, the heartbreaking political outcomes, the sheer frustration and anger that comes from seeing SO much violent and cruelty falling on innocent women… it was a lot 🫠 but the fact that it made me so angry and sad for them made me love this book even more 💔❤️🩹
the romance was all-consuming. i could feel the yearning through the pages 😭 but i think the character growth of caiti was what stood out most to me. that and possibly the atmospheric and lyrical writing. these two made me fall head over heels for kate forsyth’s storytelling, and i absolutely cannot wait to read more of her books in the future 🥹 i LOVE discovering new authors and i’m so happy penguin introduced me to kate forsyth!!! i need moreee folklore/fae/fairytale stories like this in my life ✨✨
July 17, 2026
“…she must know laughter, love, and sorrow once, twice, thrice, must die a willing sacrifice once by blade, once by fire, once by water blood on the throne at the year’s dark cross-quarter.”
Bestselling Australian author Kate Forsyth draws inspiration from the true story of Scotland’s first witch-hunt and folklore in The Changeling, a spellbinding historical fantasy set in the 16th century during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Born on All Hallows Eve with crooked legs, dark hair, and the gift of Sight, Caiti NicNeven lives in the hills of Inchbrakie with her twin sister Sorcha, mother Caitlin, and grandmother, Agnes, mindful of the traditions of the Cunning Folk. Beloved by her family, her childhood is a happy one, and at thirteen she willingly enters the service of the local laird and his family, where she falls in love with the youngest son, Robby.
Everything changes however when on her fourteenth birthday Caiti learns that she is a changeling, the true daughter of the Queen of the Shee, and as the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter Caiti is destined to be an instrument of revenge and healing for her people.
Horrified by the prophecy, Caiti flees the Fae Queen’s influence and enters the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, where danger of a different kind awaits as men rally to condemn the women they cannot control, including the young Queen, as witches.
Eventually Caiti will have to make a difficult choice: to embrace her own power, or lose everything she loves.
Told with a seamless blend of historical fact and imagination, Forsyth creates a rich and atmospheric story that offers magic, political intrigue, romance, and danger in The Changeling.
Exploring themes of identity, belonging, power, and fate, the focus of the novel rests on Caiti as she navigates love, betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice. She is an easy character to sympathise with, and cheer on, as she struggles to endure and rise above her circumstances. I particularly liked the relationship between Caiti and Queen Mary, whom Forsyth renders with so much empathy.
The persecution of women by men seeking power and control is another major theme in the story. There are several heartbreaking scenes as Forsyth illustrates how the enemies of Queen Mary and leaders of the Reformed Church worked to undermine her reign, fuelling the witch-hunts that would ultimately claim the lives of thousands of women across Scotland.
With its compelling narrative, vivid historical detail, and evocative blend of folklore and fantasy, The Changeling is an enchanting novel.
Bestselling Australian author Kate Forsyth draws inspiration from the true story of Scotland’s first witch-hunt and folklore in The Changeling, a spellbinding historical fantasy set in the 16th century during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Born on All Hallows Eve with crooked legs, dark hair, and the gift of Sight, Caiti NicNeven lives in the hills of Inchbrakie with her twin sister Sorcha, mother Caitlin, and grandmother, Agnes, mindful of the traditions of the Cunning Folk. Beloved by her family, her childhood is a happy one, and at thirteen she willingly enters the service of the local laird and his family, where she falls in love with the youngest son, Robby.
Everything changes however when on her fourteenth birthday Caiti learns that she is a changeling, the true daughter of the Queen of the Shee, and as the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter Caiti is destined to be an instrument of revenge and healing for her people.
Horrified by the prophecy, Caiti flees the Fae Queen’s influence and enters the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, where danger of a different kind awaits as men rally to condemn the women they cannot control, including the young Queen, as witches.
Eventually Caiti will have to make a difficult choice: to embrace her own power, or lose everything she loves.
Told with a seamless blend of historical fact and imagination, Forsyth creates a rich and atmospheric story that offers magic, political intrigue, romance, and danger in The Changeling.
Exploring themes of identity, belonging, power, and fate, the focus of the novel rests on Caiti as she navigates love, betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice. She is an easy character to sympathise with, and cheer on, as she struggles to endure and rise above her circumstances. I particularly liked the relationship between Caiti and Queen Mary, whom Forsyth renders with so much empathy.
The persecution of women by men seeking power and control is another major theme in the story. There are several heartbreaking scenes as Forsyth illustrates how the enemies of Queen Mary and leaders of the Reformed Church worked to undermine her reign, fuelling the witch-hunts that would ultimately claim the lives of thousands of women across Scotland.
With its compelling narrative, vivid historical detail, and evocative blend of folklore and fantasy, The Changeling is an enchanting novel.
August 26, 2026
Another fascinating read full of Scottish history and their beliefs. Mid 16th century at the time of Mary Queen of Scots and her demise. This is very well researched and draws to back to that time. A definite 5 stars as the writing is captivating.
It’s a beautifully written and enchanting story, filled with Scottish folklore, magic, mystery and romance. As someone who is Scottish myself, I especially loved the connection to Scotland and the way Forsyth brings its history, landscapes and traditions to life.
The story drew me in from the beginning, and I found myself completely absorbed in the characters and their journey. There is something magical about reading a book that connects so strongly with your own heritage, and this one gave me a real sense of pride in my Scottish roots.
Forsyth’s storytelling is captivating, and the blend of history and folklore makes the book feel both atmospheric and unforgettable. I loved getting lost in the world she created and would definitely recommend The Changeling to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Scottish folklore and a touch of magic.
A wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed – especially as a fellow Scot!
It’s a beautifully written and enchanting story, filled with Scottish folklore, magic, mystery and romance. As someone who is Scottish myself, I especially loved the connection to Scotland and the way Forsyth brings its history, landscapes and traditions to life.
The story drew me in from the beginning, and I found myself completely absorbed in the characters and their journey. There is something magical about reading a book that connects so strongly with your own heritage, and this one gave me a real sense of pride in my Scottish roots.
Forsyth’s storytelling is captivating, and the blend of history and folklore makes the book feel both atmospheric and unforgettable. I loved getting lost in the world she created and would definitely recommend The Changeling to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Scottish folklore and a touch of magic.
A wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed – especially as a fellow Scot!
August 24, 2026
The book was evidently well researched and I enjoyed the historical setting (Mary, Queen of Scots return to Scotland & imprisonment). The story was disjointed and the changes in settings abrupt. The improbable luck is attributed to the mother’s master plan but this does not feel believable when the mother character is explored further near the end. I wanted to love the use of Scots language for the dialogue but it didn’t come across as authentic (later discovered the author is Aussie). Overall interesting concept and setting but fell flat for me.
June 2, 2026
I love Kate's books. In fact, she has almost an entire shelf in my library, which probably tells you everything you need to know about my reading habits.
I was fortunate to read an advance copy through NetGalley and was also delighted to receive a printed ARC from the wonderful team at Penguin Random House Australia.
Having recently travelled through Scotland and with a longstanding fascination for the Stuart and Tudor periods, this novel appealed to me immediately. Set during Scotland's first witch-hunt and against the backdrop of Mary, Queen of Scots' court, it captures a time of fear, superstition, political intrigue and very real danger, particularly for women.
From the opening pages, I found myself completely invested in Caiti's journey. As the story unfolds, you can't help but feel protective of her, especially as she navigates family loyalties, powerful magic and her growing love for Robbie, who faces a devastating curse. The combination of historical detail, folklore, romance and fantasy kept the pages turning.
The only reason this isn't a five-star review is that I didn't cry. Sorry, Kate.
Inspired by a true historical event, The Changeling is a compelling blend of Scottish history, faery folklore and adventure. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, I'd recommend adding this one to your TBR pile and picking up a copy from your local bookshop or library when it's released in July.
I was fortunate to read an advance copy through NetGalley and was also delighted to receive a printed ARC from the wonderful team at Penguin Random House Australia.
Having recently travelled through Scotland and with a longstanding fascination for the Stuart and Tudor periods, this novel appealed to me immediately. Set during Scotland's first witch-hunt and against the backdrop of Mary, Queen of Scots' court, it captures a time of fear, superstition, political intrigue and very real danger, particularly for women.
From the opening pages, I found myself completely invested in Caiti's journey. As the story unfolds, you can't help but feel protective of her, especially as she navigates family loyalties, powerful magic and her growing love for Robbie, who faces a devastating curse. The combination of historical detail, folklore, romance and fantasy kept the pages turning.
The only reason this isn't a five-star review is that I didn't cry. Sorry, Kate.
Inspired by a true historical event, The Changeling is a compelling blend of Scottish history, faery folklore and adventure. If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of magic, I'd recommend adding this one to your TBR pile and picking up a copy from your local bookshop or library when it's released in July.
August 1, 2026
What stunning imagery Kate Forsyth weaves! A historical fiction, interwoven with Celtic folklore, set in the time of Mary Queen of Scots and her downfall.
Don’t be deceived by the whimsical nature of the cover, while the storytelling is filled with whimsy and magic, the setting is grim. The brutality of the witch trials, and Queen Mary’s tragic life, isn’t necessarily explicit or gory in their description. However, the vivid imagery of Kates writing, ensures the reader has a very clear understanding of the brutality our characters faced at various points in the story.
I found the story to be a slower start, it took about a quarter of the book for me to become fully invested, but once I was, I couldn’t put it down.
If you do read this book, I encourage you to read the authors note accompanying. It very clearly outlines the fact from the fiction, and has prompted me to read more on Scottish history, including its folklore.
If you love historical fiction, interwoven with faery folklore, you will love this book.
Thank you to Tanaya from Penguin, for the gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t be deceived by the whimsical nature of the cover, while the storytelling is filled with whimsy and magic, the setting is grim. The brutality of the witch trials, and Queen Mary’s tragic life, isn’t necessarily explicit or gory in their description. However, the vivid imagery of Kates writing, ensures the reader has a very clear understanding of the brutality our characters faced at various points in the story.
I found the story to be a slower start, it took about a quarter of the book for me to become fully invested, but once I was, I couldn’t put it down.
If you do read this book, I encourage you to read the authors note accompanying. It very clearly outlines the fact from the fiction, and has prompted me to read more on Scottish history, including its folklore.
If you love historical fiction, interwoven with faery folklore, you will love this book.
Thank you to Tanaya from Penguin, for the gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2026
ARC Review: The Changeling by @kate_forsyth_ published by @penguinbooksaus and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 7 July 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you are after a beautifully written historical fiction interwoven with Scottish folklore and mythology, then this book is for you. The story is set during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots and the lead up to the historic witch hunts of Scotland and England during the 16th century.
Our FMC Caiti has always been a little different from her family and on her 14th birthday, she finds out that she is in fact a changeling, a child of the fairy queen who replaced a human child with her. From here Caiti must fight against the destiny her fae mother has set out for her and instead fight for the life and love she wants.
This book was so well researched and the Scottish fairytales of the fairy folk layered so well within the Scottish history we know of. The narrative kept me hooked from start to finish.
Release date: 7 July 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you are after a beautifully written historical fiction interwoven with Scottish folklore and mythology, then this book is for you. The story is set during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots and the lead up to the historic witch hunts of Scotland and England during the 16th century.
Our FMC Caiti has always been a little different from her family and on her 14th birthday, she finds out that she is in fact a changeling, a child of the fairy queen who replaced a human child with her. From here Caiti must fight against the destiny her fae mother has set out for her and instead fight for the life and love she wants.
This book was so well researched and the Scottish fairytales of the fairy folk layered so well within the Scottish history we know of. The narrative kept me hooked from start to finish.
July 25, 2026
Incredible. It was so well written that the real world instantly melted away and I was right there on the rolling hills of Scotland. The first chapter was confusing but then I figured out what was happening and I devoured the chapters quickly. The writer did an amazing job at weaving in the history of Mary, Queen of Scots. So much so, that this story almost felt like a warning of how history repeats itself and how we are stuck in this violent cycle. It seems that no matter what time period it is, there will always be men that crave power, seek to control women and hurt innocents in their quest to avoid confronting their own fears and failings.
July 20, 2026
I just finished the Changeling and I am utterly enchanted. What a beautiful read!
Based on the true story of Scotland’s first witch hunt - this is the tale of a young woman who finds out she is actually a changeling, switched at birth by her mother the faery queen.
I can’t gush enough about how magical a read this was. There is so much gorgeous faery folklore and the descriptions made me feel like I was transported to a faery hidey hole in Scotland.
It’s also a tale of forbidden love. The romance is very sweet.
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for my review copy. I absolutely loved this one!
Based on the true story of Scotland’s first witch hunt - this is the tale of a young woman who finds out she is actually a changeling, switched at birth by her mother the faery queen.
I can’t gush enough about how magical a read this was. There is so much gorgeous faery folklore and the descriptions made me feel like I was transported to a faery hidey hole in Scotland.
It’s also a tale of forbidden love. The romance is very sweet.
Thank you Penguin Books Australia for my review copy. I absolutely loved this one!
August 15, 2026
The perfect mix of dark fairytales blended with historical facts and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and loved reading the authors notes at the end. Highly recommend for lovers of traditional fairytales and Scottish history.
July 19, 2026
What a well researched and planned book. The mix of history, myth and imagination was faultless. Loved this book.
August 27, 2026
3.5⭐️ actually it didn’t grab my attention.
August 13, 2026
I absolutely loved this book so much
August 14, 2026
I wanted to belong somewhere, but did not seem to fit anywhere.
Caiti NicNeven comes from a long line of canny women: my great-aunt, my mam, Sorcha and me, we honoured the old ways and revered the land and all that lived upon it. We did our best to help, healing hurts of the body and mind with our spells and songs, finding what was lost, fixing what was broken. It’s a dangerous time in Scotland to be seen to have any skills that could be considered ‘witchy’, as John Knox drives a vicious campaign of fear and religious fervour. It’s a particularly dangerous time to be a woman. Historians estimate 2,500 people were killed for witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries, 84 per cent of them were women. [[book:Good Witch: In Search of Our Lost Feminine Power|250545413]]
Caiti discovers that she is, in fact, a changeling, placed with her human family by her true mother, the queen of the Sidhe, the faery folk of Scotland. When her mother calls on her to use dark magic to wreak revenge, she flees from her home and finds herself in the employ of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary is herself in a precarious position, a Catholic Queen in a Protestant country. Caiti is present with Mary when her Italian secretary and confidant, David Rizzio, is brutally murdered at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. (If you ever get the chance to visit the Palace, there is a dark stain on the floor purported to be a permanent bloodstain.)
Caiti’s journey is further complicated by falling in love with Robbie, the son of a local laird. The Queen uses Caiti’s love for Robbie to tighten her control, forcing Caiti to cross into the faery realm and rescue him from her mother’s curse.
Kate skilfully weaves the brutal history of the Scottish witch trials with folklore and a young woman’s search for her true self. Caiti is a wonderful protagonist. She is brave and kind, passionate in her love for her man (he was the weft to my warp), but also vulnerable and sensitive. So much death, so much sorrow. Why? She asks. The answer: They hate what they fear, and they kill what they hate. This is a feminist story; highlighting the loss of feminine power to the greed and avarice (and fear) of men. This novel is set in the 16th century; in the 21st century, women are still struggling to reclaim that power.
Highly recommended.
Caiti NicNeven comes from a long line of canny women: my great-aunt, my mam, Sorcha and me, we honoured the old ways and revered the land and all that lived upon it. We did our best to help, healing hurts of the body and mind with our spells and songs, finding what was lost, fixing what was broken. It’s a dangerous time in Scotland to be seen to have any skills that could be considered ‘witchy’, as John Knox drives a vicious campaign of fear and religious fervour. It’s a particularly dangerous time to be a woman. Historians estimate 2,500 people were killed for witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries, 84 per cent of them were women. [[book:Good Witch: In Search of Our Lost Feminine Power|250545413]]
Caiti discovers that she is, in fact, a changeling, placed with her human family by her true mother, the queen of the Sidhe, the faery folk of Scotland. When her mother calls on her to use dark magic to wreak revenge, she flees from her home and finds herself in the employ of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary is herself in a precarious position, a Catholic Queen in a Protestant country. Caiti is present with Mary when her Italian secretary and confidant, David Rizzio, is brutally murdered at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. (If you ever get the chance to visit the Palace, there is a dark stain on the floor purported to be a permanent bloodstain.)
Caiti’s journey is further complicated by falling in love with Robbie, the son of a local laird. The Queen uses Caiti’s love for Robbie to tighten her control, forcing Caiti to cross into the faery realm and rescue him from her mother’s curse.
Kate skilfully weaves the brutal history of the Scottish witch trials with folklore and a young woman’s search for her true self. Caiti is a wonderful protagonist. She is brave and kind, passionate in her love for her man (he was the weft to my warp), but also vulnerable and sensitive. So much death, so much sorrow. Why? She asks. The answer: They hate what they fear, and they kill what they hate. This is a feminist story; highlighting the loss of feminine power to the greed and avarice (and fear) of men. This novel is set in the 16th century; in the 21st century, women are still struggling to reclaim that power.
Highly recommended.
June 9, 2026
As my first Kate Forsyth novel, The Changeling has left me wondering why I've waited so long to discover her work. As a reader who adores historical fiction infused with folklore and fairy-tale elements, this book felt as though it had been written specifically for me.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland's first witch-hunt, the story follows Caiti NicNeven, a young woman who discovers she is the daughter of the faery queen of the Sidhe. As she becomes caught between the mortal world and the faery realm, Caiti must navigate forbidden love, dangerous magic, political intrigue, and the growing threat of persecution in a country gripped by fear and superstition.
Forsyth's writing is lyrical, evocative, and utterly immersive. Every scene is rendered with such vivid imagery that I could almost feel the chill of the Scottish air and hear the whispers of ancient folklore woven throughout the narrative. The setting is richly atmospheric, carrying a constant sense of foreboding that kept me eagerly turning the pages.
The characters are brilliantly layered and wonderfully complex. Their motivations, fears, loyalties, and desires felt authentic, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys. I was particularly captivated by the way Forsyth explores themes of identity, belonging, power, love, and the stories we inherit.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly the novel blended history, folklore, and fantasy into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The pacing is expertly handled, the tension steadily builds, and the story never loses its sense of wonder or danger.
A beautifully crafted tale of witchcraft, love, resilience, and self-discovery, The Changeling completely enchanted me from beginning to end. It certainly won't be my last Kate Forsyth novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Australia for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland's first witch-hunt, the story follows Caiti NicNeven, a young woman who discovers she is the daughter of the faery queen of the Sidhe. As she becomes caught between the mortal world and the faery realm, Caiti must navigate forbidden love, dangerous magic, political intrigue, and the growing threat of persecution in a country gripped by fear and superstition.
Forsyth's writing is lyrical, evocative, and utterly immersive. Every scene is rendered with such vivid imagery that I could almost feel the chill of the Scottish air and hear the whispers of ancient folklore woven throughout the narrative. The setting is richly atmospheric, carrying a constant sense of foreboding that kept me eagerly turning the pages.
The characters are brilliantly layered and wonderfully complex. Their motivations, fears, loyalties, and desires felt authentic, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys. I was particularly captivated by the way Forsyth explores themes of identity, belonging, power, love, and the stories we inherit.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly the novel blended history, folklore, and fantasy into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The pacing is expertly handled, the tension steadily builds, and the story never loses its sense of wonder or danger.
A beautifully crafted tale of witchcraft, love, resilience, and self-discovery, The Changeling completely enchanted me from beginning to end. It certainly won't be my last Kate Forsyth novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Australia for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🧚 Faery Folk
❤️ Scottish Setting
🧙 Witch Hunting
🌹 Forbidden Love
Inspired by the true story of Scotland’s first witch hunt, we follow Caiti who tries desperately to save her loved ones from those with evil wicked hearts, seeking power for themselves. Growing up poor, she finds she herself has more power than she could have ever imagined.
This was a quick, easy read full of Scottish folklore that pulls you into the fairytale. While slow to begin with, this picked up pace towards the second half and provided some much needed action.
This was easy to follow and perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into the fantasy genre without being loaded with too much info dumping and world building at once. Did I struggle with some of the Scottish language, yes I did 🤣 but you quickly become accustomed to the language.
This pretty much sums up how women were treated back in those times and are often still treated to this very day. Helping those in times of need by providing love and care only to be labelled a witch and to be burnt at the stake.
As someone who LOVES world building (are you tired of hearing that from me?) this was a little too simple for my tastes. I also felt no real connection to any of the characters, which is also a huge component that is important to me in a read. I want to feel their emotions through the page and sense what they are going through to build that connection with the characters, instead it often just felt like words on paper and very simplistic writing.
I feel the pacing was also off. We’d constantly skip weeks, months and sometimes even years and yet it felt like nothing happened. We would also get the same sentences and feelings often repeated throughout.
All in all, it was nice to read something different and though at times it fell a little flat, I’d still recommend giving this one a go!
❤️ Scottish Setting
🧙 Witch Hunting
🌹 Forbidden Love
Inspired by the true story of Scotland’s first witch hunt, we follow Caiti who tries desperately to save her loved ones from those with evil wicked hearts, seeking power for themselves. Growing up poor, she finds she herself has more power than she could have ever imagined.
This was a quick, easy read full of Scottish folklore that pulls you into the fairytale. While slow to begin with, this picked up pace towards the second half and provided some much needed action.
This was easy to follow and perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into the fantasy genre without being loaded with too much info dumping and world building at once. Did I struggle with some of the Scottish language, yes I did 🤣 but you quickly become accustomed to the language.
This pretty much sums up how women were treated back in those times and are often still treated to this very day. Helping those in times of need by providing love and care only to be labelled a witch and to be burnt at the stake.
As someone who LOVES world building (are you tired of hearing that from me?) this was a little too simple for my tastes. I also felt no real connection to any of the characters, which is also a huge component that is important to me in a read. I want to feel their emotions through the page and sense what they are going through to build that connection with the characters, instead it often just felt like words on paper and very simplistic writing.
I feel the pacing was also off. We’d constantly skip weeks, months and sometimes even years and yet it felt like nothing happened. We would also get the same sentences and feelings often repeated throughout.
All in all, it was nice to read something different and though at times it fell a little flat, I’d still recommend giving this one a go!
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Changeling is a beautifully written historical novel set in medieval Scotland. It follows Caiti, who is brought up by a family of wise women and discovers she's a changeling.
This is an incredibly well-researched book; The author's in-depth knowledge of this time-period was clear in all the customs and traditions that Caiti and her family observed and took part in, the historical details of Caiti's time with Mary Queen of Scots, and a sense of really being there among the wet highlands and the dirt and grime of Edinburgh. The story is slow in developing, and the scene-setting at the start of the book takes a few chapters to establish. Once that's done the pace of the book picks up as we follow Caiti back in time to her childhood and how events led her to be in the cave where we meet her at the start of the book. We then follow her personal journey of discovery, as well as her physical journey to Edinburgh (and back).
I loved the experience of reading this book. The beautiful, stark and sometimes dangerous Scottish landscape was evoked beautifully, as was the sense of time. The writing is lush, lyrical and evocative, and Kate Forsyth is excellent at building a sense of mystery and dread around Caiti as she struggles to figure out who (or what) keeps following her. I love how the magic is dealt with in this book, as it feels a natural part of the landscape and people, rather than a 'power' Caiti has. The magic is unwieldy and mysterious and nuanced, as Caiti learns enchantments and spells (mostly protective) from her Nan and then later through trying to learn how to control it when she wields it more directly.
If you love historical, witchy, women-centred fiction then you will definitely love this book!
The Changeling is a beautifully written historical novel set in medieval Scotland. It follows Caiti, who is brought up by a family of wise women and discovers she's a changeling.
This is an incredibly well-researched book; The author's in-depth knowledge of this time-period was clear in all the customs and traditions that Caiti and her family observed and took part in, the historical details of Caiti's time with Mary Queen of Scots, and a sense of really being there among the wet highlands and the dirt and grime of Edinburgh. The story is slow in developing, and the scene-setting at the start of the book takes a few chapters to establish. Once that's done the pace of the book picks up as we follow Caiti back in time to her childhood and how events led her to be in the cave where we meet her at the start of the book. We then follow her personal journey of discovery, as well as her physical journey to Edinburgh (and back).
I loved the experience of reading this book. The beautiful, stark and sometimes dangerous Scottish landscape was evoked beautifully, as was the sense of time. The writing is lush, lyrical and evocative, and Kate Forsyth is excellent at building a sense of mystery and dread around Caiti as she struggles to figure out who (or what) keeps following her. I love how the magic is dealt with in this book, as it feels a natural part of the landscape and people, rather than a 'power' Caiti has. The magic is unwieldy and mysterious and nuanced, as Caiti learns enchantments and spells (mostly protective) from her Nan and then later through trying to learn how to control it when she wields it more directly.
If you love historical, witchy, women-centred fiction then you will definitely love this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have Scottish heritage, and when I spotted this ARC on NetGalley, I immediately snatched it up. I'm so glad I did.
The Changeling is a lush historical fiction that takes the testimony of accused witches in sixteenth century Scotland as truth, and weaves a story in and around the real events of the time. Caiti, our protagonist, is rooted in a real woman, one of the few actually named in the earliest witch trial records, burned in Monzie and then largely forgotten by history. Forsyth refuses to leave her forgotten. She places her at the centre of Mary Queen of Scots' reign and gives her agency, presence, and consequence.
Overflowing with Scottish folklore, historical detail, rebellion, and romance, it had me hooked from the first page. For anyone who already knows Mary, Queen of Scots story, the ending will be no surprise. But what Forsyth does is show you the inside of it, and that is where the devastation lives.
The historical research underpinning this novel is extraordinary, and it shows in every page and the result is a book that feels both ancient and still entirely relevant. One line in particular stood out to me: "they hate what they fear, and they kill what they hate." In the context of sixteenth century Scotland it is damning enough. Read it in 2026 and it lands all the harder.
Five Stars.
The Changeling is a lush historical fiction that takes the testimony of accused witches in sixteenth century Scotland as truth, and weaves a story in and around the real events of the time. Caiti, our protagonist, is rooted in a real woman, one of the few actually named in the earliest witch trial records, burned in Monzie and then largely forgotten by history. Forsyth refuses to leave her forgotten. She places her at the centre of Mary Queen of Scots' reign and gives her agency, presence, and consequence.
Overflowing with Scottish folklore, historical detail, rebellion, and romance, it had me hooked from the first page. For anyone who already knows Mary, Queen of Scots story, the ending will be no surprise. But what Forsyth does is show you the inside of it, and that is where the devastation lives.
The historical research underpinning this novel is extraordinary, and it shows in every page and the result is a book that feels both ancient and still entirely relevant. One line in particular stood out to me: "they hate what they fear, and they kill what they hate." In the context of sixteenth century Scotland it is damning enough. Read it in 2026 and it lands all the harder.
Five Stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was completely swept away by this novel. I sat down intending to read a few chapters and instead finished it in one sitting, unable to tear myself away.
Set in Scotland during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, The Changeling follows Caití NicNiven, a young servant whose mother and great-aunt are respected cunning women. When Caití falls in love with Robbie, the local laird’s son, her life is transformed by forces both political and magical. Inspired by Scotland’s first witch hunt, the novel explores the growing fear of powerful women, the persecution of healers, and the devastating consequences of superstition and prejudice.
Kate Forsyth seamlessly blends meticulously researched historical fiction with fantasy, weaving the fairy realm into Caití’s story in a way that feels both enchanting and deeply symbolic. Caití is a wonderful heroine: loyal, courageous, intelligent and compassionate. She possesses the Sight but has yet to understand how to use it, and watching her grow into her own strength is one of the novel’s greatest pleasures.
This story made me angry, heartbroken and hopeful in equal measure. The injustices suffered by women during this period are confronting, but the novel is ultimately one of resilience, love and finding the courage to embrace who you are. While terrible things happen along the way, I was deeply satisfied with where the story ultimately led.
This was my first Kate Forsyth novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. If you enjoy richly atmospheric historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, strong female characters, Scottish history and an unforgettable love story, I highly recommend The Changeling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Set in Scotland during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, The Changeling follows Caití NicNiven, a young servant whose mother and great-aunt are respected cunning women. When Caití falls in love with Robbie, the local laird’s son, her life is transformed by forces both political and magical. Inspired by Scotland’s first witch hunt, the novel explores the growing fear of powerful women, the persecution of healers, and the devastating consequences of superstition and prejudice.
Kate Forsyth seamlessly blends meticulously researched historical fiction with fantasy, weaving the fairy realm into Caití’s story in a way that feels both enchanting and deeply symbolic. Caití is a wonderful heroine: loyal, courageous, intelligent and compassionate. She possesses the Sight but has yet to understand how to use it, and watching her grow into her own strength is one of the novel’s greatest pleasures.
This story made me angry, heartbroken and hopeful in equal measure. The injustices suffered by women during this period are confronting, but the novel is ultimately one of resilience, love and finding the courage to embrace who you are. While terrible things happen along the way, I was deeply satisfied with where the story ultimately led.
This was my first Kate Forsyth novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. If you enjoy richly atmospheric historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, strong female characters, Scottish history and an unforgettable love story, I highly recommend The Changeling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2026
I've never read anything by Kate Forsyth before and from the very beginning of this book, I quickly discovered that Forsyth is an exceptional storyteller!
This book had everything I love in a heavily historical fiction based, fantasy book. We got a beautiful setting in every scene, magic and witches, romance and family, and a beautiful but dark plot, heavily factualised by the real challenges women faced during the 16th-century.
I really enjoyed reading about Scotland's first witch-hunt, during the time of the reigning Queen Mary, and how women were accused of being a witch for simple things like men feeling lust towards a pretty woman or if a woman did something that was considered "unusual," if she created tonics to help heal ailments or for going against the word of a man. This was a really scary and dangerous time for women and Forsyth did an excellent job at instilling that fear through her storytelling.
The love story between Caiti and Robbie spans over years and is a beautiful story in itself. Then there is the love between Caiti and her sister Sorscha, Caiti and her mum and nan, Caiti's love and dedication towards Queen Mary and Caiti's love for the Fae Queen towards the very end of the book. Caiti loves, and she loves hard!
Another theme that had a heavy impact on the reader, is the theme of control and oppression from men (feminine rage enters the chat). From the men that undermined the ruling of Mary, Queen of Scot's, to the men from the church that would pin all their accusations on doing the work of the Lord. I can safely say, I would have been burned at the stake, if I spoke my mind during this era, and oh boy I would have.
I really enjoyed this book; it's one that will stick with me for a long time and may lead me to discover other books written by Kate.
Thank you to Penguin Books Aus for sending me a gifted copy to read and review!
This book had everything I love in a heavily historical fiction based, fantasy book. We got a beautiful setting in every scene, magic and witches, romance and family, and a beautiful but dark plot, heavily factualised by the real challenges women faced during the 16th-century.
I really enjoyed reading about Scotland's first witch-hunt, during the time of the reigning Queen Mary, and how women were accused of being a witch for simple things like men feeling lust towards a pretty woman or if a woman did something that was considered "unusual," if she created tonics to help heal ailments or for going against the word of a man. This was a really scary and dangerous time for women and Forsyth did an excellent job at instilling that fear through her storytelling.
The love story between Caiti and Robbie spans over years and is a beautiful story in itself. Then there is the love between Caiti and her sister Sorscha, Caiti and her mum and nan, Caiti's love and dedication towards Queen Mary and Caiti's love for the Fae Queen towards the very end of the book. Caiti loves, and she loves hard!
Another theme that had a heavy impact on the reader, is the theme of control and oppression from men (feminine rage enters the chat). From the men that undermined the ruling of Mary, Queen of Scot's, to the men from the church that would pin all their accusations on doing the work of the Lord. I can safely say, I would have been burned at the stake, if I spoke my mind during this era, and oh boy I would have.
I really enjoyed this book; it's one that will stick with me for a long time and may lead me to discover other books written by Kate.
Thank you to Penguin Books Aus for sending me a gifted copy to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate Forsyth has crafted such a rich and atmospheric blend of Scottish folklore, history, witchcraft, and fae magic in The Changeling. From the very first pages I was completely immersed in sixteenth-century Scotland, where superstition, fear, and power collide in devastating ways.
Caiti was such a compelling protagonist to follow. Discovering she is a changeling and being torn between the mortal world she loves and the dangerous pull of her fae mother created so much emotional tension throughout the story. I especially loved how the novel balanced historical detail with mythology so seamlessly and it genuinely felt like the folklore could have existed alongside real history.
The writing is beautifully lyrical and haunting, with an almost fairytale-like quality, but underneath that magic is a darker story about persecution, fear, and the treatment of women during the witch hunts. Some moments were heartbreaking and uncomfortable to read, but intentionally so, and it made the story feel all the more powerful.
I also really enjoyed the romance woven through the story. It never overshadowed the historical elements or the darker themes, but instead added another emotional layer to Caiti’s journey.
If you love historical fantasy filled with folklore, fae courts, forbidden love, witchcraft, and immersive atmospheric storytelling, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Caiti was such a compelling protagonist to follow. Discovering she is a changeling and being torn between the mortal world she loves and the dangerous pull of her fae mother created so much emotional tension throughout the story. I especially loved how the novel balanced historical detail with mythology so seamlessly and it genuinely felt like the folklore could have existed alongside real history.
The writing is beautifully lyrical and haunting, with an almost fairytale-like quality, but underneath that magic is a darker story about persecution, fear, and the treatment of women during the witch hunts. Some moments were heartbreaking and uncomfortable to read, but intentionally so, and it made the story feel all the more powerful.
I also really enjoyed the romance woven through the story. It never overshadowed the historical elements or the darker themes, but instead added another emotional layer to Caiti’s journey.
If you love historical fantasy filled with folklore, fae courts, forbidden love, witchcraft, and immersive atmospheric storytelling, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2026
3.5/5
This was my first Kate Forsyth book, and I immediately picked it up when browsing NetGalley because my mum’s such a fan. It was an easy read and I was often going “one more page” before falling asleep in the middle of the night (always a sign of a good book!)
Starting with the things I liked the most: the setting and Scottish folklore were the biggest selling points for me. I enjoyed that it was a light fantasy even though it had hard and dark moments. I loved how Forsyth intertwined the story with the folklore, and was thoroughly impressed by the level of research and care that went into it. That’s how you write a respectful folklore adaptation!!
I have to say when I began, I thought it would be closer to YA than an adult fantasy. The language and point of view just read as a little juvenile, so when we reached the first Adult scene, I was a bit taken aback. I don’t know why Caiti’s internal voice read as more childish to me, but it did throw me off a bit. This book isn’t marketed as YA but as a romantic fantasy, so I could have guessed it was more adult, but the voice of the narrative did throw me off. It’s worth considering if you’re looking to buy this for a young person!
Honestly, I wanted it to be longer. I felt some parts were a little rushed, and would have loved to spend more time with the characters. I did definitely feel like this was setting out for a deeper plot, and am looking forward to how the story unravels!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books Australia for providing me with this ARC read!
This was my first Kate Forsyth book, and I immediately picked it up when browsing NetGalley because my mum’s such a fan. It was an easy read and I was often going “one more page” before falling asleep in the middle of the night (always a sign of a good book!)
Starting with the things I liked the most: the setting and Scottish folklore were the biggest selling points for me. I enjoyed that it was a light fantasy even though it had hard and dark moments. I loved how Forsyth intertwined the story with the folklore, and was thoroughly impressed by the level of research and care that went into it. That’s how you write a respectful folklore adaptation!!
I have to say when I began, I thought it would be closer to YA than an adult fantasy. The language and point of view just read as a little juvenile, so when we reached the first Adult scene, I was a bit taken aback. I don’t know why Caiti’s internal voice read as more childish to me, but it did throw me off a bit. This book isn’t marketed as YA but as a romantic fantasy, so I could have guessed it was more adult, but the voice of the narrative did throw me off. It’s worth considering if you’re looking to buy this for a young person!
Honestly, I wanted it to be longer. I felt some parts were a little rushed, and would have loved to spend more time with the characters. I did definitely feel like this was setting out for a deeper plot, and am looking forward to how the story unravels!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books Australia for providing me with this ARC read!
June 18, 2026
The changeling is a beautifully crafted, lush historical fiction steeped in Scottish Folklore.
It takes place in the mid 1500’s when Queen Mary returns to Scotland from France, and the beginning of the witch trials.
There are parts of this story where we’re confronted with the awful abuse that Queen Mary had to endure, which was uncomfortable and heart breaking to read, although not graphic as the story does ultimately follow Caitlin as our FMC.
As the name of the novel suggests, our FMC, Caitlin, is a changeling, and upon realising this at the age of 14, her life drastically changes trajectory.
I loved discovering more and more about Caitlin as she grew up, and I loved the slow burn romance between her and Robbie. It progressed naturally and was worked really well into the plot to keep things moving.
The more I think about this book, the more I realise just how much of a journey Caitlin took. There was so many important things happened throughout this story, and it’s obvious that all of it was researched with attention to detail.
I won’t delve any more into the plot, for fear of ruining it for anyone else but I will say that lovers of historical folklore fiction need to read this.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly loved this one!!
It takes place in the mid 1500’s when Queen Mary returns to Scotland from France, and the beginning of the witch trials.
There are parts of this story where we’re confronted with the awful abuse that Queen Mary had to endure, which was uncomfortable and heart breaking to read, although not graphic as the story does ultimately follow Caitlin as our FMC.
As the name of the novel suggests, our FMC, Caitlin, is a changeling, and upon realising this at the age of 14, her life drastically changes trajectory.
I loved discovering more and more about Caitlin as she grew up, and I loved the slow burn romance between her and Robbie. It progressed naturally and was worked really well into the plot to keep things moving.
The more I think about this book, the more I realise just how much of a journey Caitlin took. There was so many important things happened throughout this story, and it’s obvious that all of it was researched with attention to detail.
I won’t delve any more into the plot, for fear of ruining it for anyone else but I will say that lovers of historical folklore fiction need to read this.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly loved this one!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate Forsyth is one of my favourite Australian authors - I have read all her books, whether they are for adults, young adults or children's/middle school. I recommend them all!
The Changeling is set in Scotland during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots
The MC, Caiti, finds out she is a changeling, a faery child swapped for a human one. Her real mother is the queen of the Sidhe, the faery folk who live beneath Scotland’s hollow hills. The fairy queen demands that Caiti does her bidding and carry out an act of revenge on her behalf. But Caiti has been brought up to do no evil and loves the human world as that is the only world she has known. She runs away and ends up working in the castle at the court of Mary Queen of Scots. But this is almost like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire as superstition, fear and a powerful church forces the Queen into passing an Anti-Witchcraft Act resulting in witch hunts which placed every woman, including Caiti, in peril.
Caiti has to tread carefully to resist her true mother, hide her magical powers and save the man she loves - cursed by the fae. The Changeling is an amazing blend of history, folklore and romance that results in a page turning fantasy that had me gripped to the end. It is dark in places - but the darkness is not fantasy, it is what really happened to women once they were accused. Not a part of history that we should be proud of, but certainly not a time that should ever be forgotten.
Thank you to Penguin Books for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Changeling is set in Scotland during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots
The MC, Caiti, finds out she is a changeling, a faery child swapped for a human one. Her real mother is the queen of the Sidhe, the faery folk who live beneath Scotland’s hollow hills. The fairy queen demands that Caiti does her bidding and carry out an act of revenge on her behalf. But Caiti has been brought up to do no evil and loves the human world as that is the only world she has known. She runs away and ends up working in the castle at the court of Mary Queen of Scots. But this is almost like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire as superstition, fear and a powerful church forces the Queen into passing an Anti-Witchcraft Act resulting in witch hunts which placed every woman, including Caiti, in peril.
Caiti has to tread carefully to resist her true mother, hide her magical powers and save the man she loves - cursed by the fae. The Changeling is an amazing blend of history, folklore and romance that results in a page turning fantasy that had me gripped to the end. It is dark in places - but the darkness is not fantasy, it is what really happened to women once they were accused. Not a part of history that we should be proud of, but certainly not a time that should ever be forgotten.
Thank you to Penguin Books for providing an advanced copy of this book, at my request, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Read
August 25, 2026The Changeling is a hauntingly atmospheric blend of Scottish history, folklore, witchcraft and fae magic that had me invested from the beginning.
Caiti’s journey of discovering who she truly is, while caught between the mortal world she loves and the dangerous pull of the fae, was full of heart, tension and beautifully complicated choices. I especially loved the way Kate Forsyth weaves magic and mythology into real historical events, making the world feel both enchanting and frighteningly believable.
Beneath the fairytale-like writing is a much darker story of persecution, power and the devastating cruelty inflicted on women during Scotland’s witch hunts. Some parts were incredibly difficult to read, but they gave the story an emotional weight that stayed with me.
The yearning between Caiti and Robbie was everything, but what I loved most was seeing how much they grew as characters, especially Caiti.
Lyrical, immersive and rich with folklore, The Changeling is perfect for anyone who loves historical fantasy, faeries, forbidden love, witchcraft and stories about discovering the power within yourself
Caiti’s journey of discovering who she truly is, while caught between the mortal world she loves and the dangerous pull of the fae, was full of heart, tension and beautifully complicated choices. I especially loved the way Kate Forsyth weaves magic and mythology into real historical events, making the world feel both enchanting and frighteningly believable.
Beneath the fairytale-like writing is a much darker story of persecution, power and the devastating cruelty inflicted on women during Scotland’s witch hunts. Some parts were incredibly difficult to read, but they gave the story an emotional weight that stayed with me.
The yearning between Caiti and Robbie was everything, but what I loved most was seeing how much they grew as characters, especially Caiti.
Lyrical, immersive and rich with folklore, The Changeling is perfect for anyone who loves historical fantasy, faeries, forbidden love, witchcraft and stories about discovering the power within yourself
July 25, 2026
I was immediately drawn to the premise of The Changeling, which is inspired by the true story of Scotland’s first witch hunt in the mid-16th century. The novel follows Caiti, a young woman navigating a world of superstition and fear to protect her loved ones from those seeking power.
While I found the historical backdrop and the high-stakes conflict very compelling, the actual reading experience was difficult for me. The story uses an older style of language throughout. Unfortunately, this language style felt somewhat unsuitable for me at this particular time, as I was not able to fully focus on the story or follow the plot as closely as I would have liked.
While the writing is undoubtedly atmospheric and richly described, the stylistic choices meant I struggled to stay engaged with the narrative. It simply wasn't the right fit for my personal reading state right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I found the historical backdrop and the high-stakes conflict very compelling, the actual reading experience was difficult for me. The story uses an older style of language throughout. Unfortunately, this language style felt somewhat unsuitable for me at this particular time, as I was not able to fully focus on the story or follow the plot as closely as I would have liked.
While the writing is undoubtedly atmospheric and richly described, the stylistic choices meant I struggled to stay engaged with the narrative. It simply wasn't the right fit for my personal reading state right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2026
This wonderful story was inspired by the tragedy of Scotland's first witch hunt. The amount of research that has been done for this book is obvious from the first page.
Our protagonist is Caiti NicNeven who, on her fourteenth birthday, discovers she is the daughter of the Queen of the Sidhe, a faery queen. The realisation that she has lived a lie all of her life is too much for Caiti who flees, with her dog Carlin, to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots.
What follows is a tale of witchcraft, mythology, and the will to survive. Caiti has to learn how to control the magic that she holds within herself and this is a fascinating journey, as is the relationship between her and the woman she thought was her mother.
The book also explores the roles and treatment of women - their exploitation, discrimination, the overwhelming powers of men that are invested in keeping them in their place or even destroying them.
A fabulous read.
Our protagonist is Caiti NicNeven who, on her fourteenth birthday, discovers she is the daughter of the Queen of the Sidhe, a faery queen. The realisation that she has lived a lie all of her life is too much for Caiti who flees, with her dog Carlin, to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots.
What follows is a tale of witchcraft, mythology, and the will to survive. Caiti has to learn how to control the magic that she holds within herself and this is a fascinating journey, as is the relationship between her and the woman she thought was her mother.
The book also explores the roles and treatment of women - their exploitation, discrimination, the overwhelming powers of men that are invested in keeping them in their place or even destroying them.
A fabulous read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to read an arc of The Changeling by Kate Forsyth thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia.
I love Kate Forsyth’s writing, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading previous books of hers so knew I was in for a treat with this one.
The book is based mostly during the 1660s when Mary Queen of Scots returns to Scotland from France where she had lived since she was five years old. It coincides with the hysteria around witchcraft and toward the end of the book, the first witch hunts begin in earnest.
Our protagonist is a changeling, Caiti, who was unaware of this until she turned 14 and her biological mother begins luring her to do her bidding. Caiti resists with all her might but her faerie powers increase nonetheless. Her Great Aunt is a Cunning woman, a kind and loving healer and bee-keeper in Monzie and the family have been raised with love, respect and a do-no-harm mentality. So when Caiti learns she is a changeling and never told, she is angry and runs away. She ends up as a privy cook in the court of Mary Queen of Scots, so we get an inside view of all the treachery that takes place.
This is a historical novel first and foremost, layered expertly with Scottish Folklore and a gentle love story, woven together perfectly. There is magic in the hollow hills…
I love Kate Forsyth’s writing, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading previous books of hers so knew I was in for a treat with this one.
The book is based mostly during the 1660s when Mary Queen of Scots returns to Scotland from France where she had lived since she was five years old. It coincides with the hysteria around witchcraft and toward the end of the book, the first witch hunts begin in earnest.
Our protagonist is a changeling, Caiti, who was unaware of this until she turned 14 and her biological mother begins luring her to do her bidding. Caiti resists with all her might but her faerie powers increase nonetheless. Her Great Aunt is a Cunning woman, a kind and loving healer and bee-keeper in Monzie and the family have been raised with love, respect and a do-no-harm mentality. So when Caiti learns she is a changeling and never told, she is angry and runs away. She ends up as a privy cook in the court of Mary Queen of Scots, so we get an inside view of all the treachery that takes place.
This is a historical novel first and foremost, layered expertly with Scottish Folklore and a gentle love story, woven together perfectly. There is magic in the hollow hills…
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