What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweeping Changes
When the old street sweeper's memory deserts him, this smacks of magic, not a senior moment -- he's left with his broom and a reflection that talks back in a snarky voice.
But when he sets out to learn more, he finds himself up against foreign invaders who take a dim view of his interference. One officer decides he's in the way (and making her look bad), so she sends assassins after him directly.
His fighting skills with the trusty broom won't be enough to save him. But his memories are starting to trickle back, thanks in part to clues from that talking reflection. It turns out he was someone important. Someone with magic of his own.
Someone who might just be able to stop the invasion, if he can keep himself alive and regain the rest of those memories in time.
But when he sets out to learn more, he finds himself up against foreign invaders who take a dim view of his interference. One officer decides he's in the way (and making her look bad), so she sends assassins after him directly.
His fighting skills with the trusty broom won't be enough to save him. But his memories are starting to trickle back, thanks in part to clues from that talking reflection. It turns out he was someone important. Someone with magic of his own.
Someone who might just be able to stop the invasion, if he can keep himself alive and regain the rest of those memories in time.
- GenresFantasy
196 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Mara Lynn Johnstone
17 books70 followersMara grew up in a house on a hill, of which the top floor was built first. She split her time between climbing trees, drawing fantastical things, reading books, and writing her own. Always interested in fiction, she went on to get a Master's Degree in creative writing, and to acquire a husband, son, and two cats. She still writes, draws, reads, and enjoys climbing things. She also has been known to make and wear costumes given any excuse, and to thoroughly enjoy life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 3, 2015
I honestly love this book. I've read it several times, and enjoyed it each go-round.
(Of course I did, you say; I'm the author.) (True, I say, but there are some enthusiastic reviews on Amazon that I didn't write, and this is something like representing them here.)
And really, what's not to like about magic, memory problems, and an old dude beating people up with a broom? With a snarky talking reflection, no less!
(Of course I did, you say; I'm the author.) (True, I say, but there are some enthusiastic reviews on Amazon that I didn't write, and this is something like representing them here.)
And really, what's not to like about magic, memory problems, and an old dude beating people up with a broom? With a snarky talking reflection, no less!
September 9, 2023
It's not bad, but it doesn't make for a compelling reading.
If focuses only on the main character, there are no meaningful relationships or secondary characters to speak of. It does have a couple of chapters where the POV is shifted to the villains, but it's more to show things that the MC cannot possibly know than to actually explore their motivations.
It also focuses mainly on the past on the MC instead of the present, and everytime he regains a new memory, it feels like reading recaps of past books to catch up to the new book in a series.
If focuses only on the main character, there are no meaningful relationships or secondary characters to speak of. It does have a couple of chapters where the POV is shifted to the villains, but it's more to show things that the MC cannot possibly know than to actually explore their motivations.
It also focuses mainly on the past on the MC instead of the present, and everytime he regains a new memory, it feels like reading recaps of past books to catch up to the new book in a series.
December 13, 2020
Sweeping Changes is an enjoyable fantasy novel about Hesperus, a likeable and complex protagonist, with a nice balance of narrative and action. I like how the author incorporates senses to conjure up the memories that drive the narrative and reveal the secrets of Hesperus' past. I found myself wanting to know more about him and where he came from, and hope there's a prequel in the works.
November 6, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of sweeping changes for free in return for a review and must say that i thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
It's an imaginative, bright and breezy page turner who's central character is extremely likable and a pleasure to spend time.
As he gradually regains his memory, more and more unexpected twists are revealed pushing the story forward. There is a definite rhythm to the the book, with these quieter moments of memory recall punctuating fast paced action scenes, with both elements being great fun.
To say to much more would begin to reveal plot points, and going into this 'cold' is the best way, as it did genuinly go in directions that I was not expecting.
To summerise the good stuff this is genuinly a work of an origional imagination, and I am greatly looking forwards to more tales of daring do from the author!
However, though I do not want to come across as picky there are a few niggles that I will mention. These points did not really effect my pleasure of reading the story greatly, but I feel that if these were addressed in this or subsequent works that the novels would be the better for it.
1. Though the author stated that the steam punk element was subtle in this book, it was really non existant. This in itself is not an issue, however I think that it's down to a lack of descriptions rather than intent. The locations, and vehicles are not described in a way that allowed me to get a feel for the time or character of the place /period.....this could be intentional to keep the story fast paced (which it is to an enjoyable degree) but they would have enriched the story. The most evocative descriptions are of the fur birds and of riding war deer. These enjoyably quirky elememts in some ways made the story feel more like a high fantasy with cars. The 'cars' in particular are not really described, referred to often as cars rather than horsless carriage or similar, and appear to operate on a level of performance matching modern vehicles, rather than clanking unpredictable steam carriages.....
2. There are quite a few anachronistic phrases, describing a past king as a bad ass though fun, made me lose the sense of place. A tightening of the language to a more period specific manner would create a consistancy of tone, such as Terry Pratchetts Dodger, whos language and prose is evocative of the Victorian setting.
3. People seem a bit open to acepting the 'street sweepers' secret a bit easily, again there are pretty good reasons for this in the specific situations thst it is revealed, but a little bit of resistance him, initially at least would have possibly been a more interesting decision.
Again in summary great fun, with the above being some constructive points to make an already great work better....for my tastes at least. Looking forward to the sequel!
It's an imaginative, bright and breezy page turner who's central character is extremely likable and a pleasure to spend time.
As he gradually regains his memory, more and more unexpected twists are revealed pushing the story forward. There is a definite rhythm to the the book, with these quieter moments of memory recall punctuating fast paced action scenes, with both elements being great fun.
To say to much more would begin to reveal plot points, and going into this 'cold' is the best way, as it did genuinly go in directions that I was not expecting.
To summerise the good stuff this is genuinly a work of an origional imagination, and I am greatly looking forwards to more tales of daring do from the author!
However, though I do not want to come across as picky there are a few niggles that I will mention. These points did not really effect my pleasure of reading the story greatly, but I feel that if these were addressed in this or subsequent works that the novels would be the better for it.
1. Though the author stated that the steam punk element was subtle in this book, it was really non existant. This in itself is not an issue, however I think that it's down to a lack of descriptions rather than intent. The locations, and vehicles are not described in a way that allowed me to get a feel for the time or character of the place /period.....this could be intentional to keep the story fast paced (which it is to an enjoyable degree) but they would have enriched the story. The most evocative descriptions are of the fur birds and of riding war deer. These enjoyably quirky elememts in some ways made the story feel more like a high fantasy with cars. The 'cars' in particular are not really described, referred to often as cars rather than horsless carriage or similar, and appear to operate on a level of performance matching modern vehicles, rather than clanking unpredictable steam carriages.....
2. There are quite a few anachronistic phrases, describing a past king as a bad ass though fun, made me lose the sense of place. A tightening of the language to a more period specific manner would create a consistancy of tone, such as Terry Pratchetts Dodger, whos language and prose is evocative of the Victorian setting.
3. People seem a bit open to acepting the 'street sweepers' secret a bit easily, again there are pretty good reasons for this in the specific situations thst it is revealed, but a little bit of resistance him, initially at least would have possibly been a more interesting decision.
Again in summary great fun, with the above being some constructive points to make an already great work better....for my tastes at least. Looking forward to the sequel!
October 10, 2015
Anyway, I'd just finished reading your book you'd sent, and I must say I was impressed. It was so rich and had me wondering what happened to the end. I particularly loved Hess as you showed us, the readers what happened to him when he woke up with no memory in the street and how you showed us, through his actions, of his response.
The war with the enemy was really good and I soon found myself totally caught up in reading the book in its entirety in just two days. It was that good. Hess was a great main character and I loved it when you showed his past through the glass, or rather should I say his memories/ present.
The descriptions worked to give me, the reader a definite insight into Hess and his character which was masterfully done. And I found myself rooting he would win this. Or rather in all the parts of the story he was in.
Kudos on writing a truly great story and thanks for letting me read it and review it.
Great job!
The war with the enemy was really good and I soon found myself totally caught up in reading the book in its entirety in just two days. It was that good. Hess was a great main character and I loved it when you showed his past through the glass, or rather should I say his memories/ present.
The descriptions worked to give me, the reader a definite insight into Hess and his character which was masterfully done. And I found myself rooting he would win this. Or rather in all the parts of the story he was in.
Kudos on writing a truly great story and thanks for letting me read it and review it.
Great job!
March 26, 2016
Unexpected and very good book!
I can't even remember how I came across this book but the description was enough to intrigue me. Early on in the reading I thought I things figured out (let's face it about 2 pages in) since it seemed like it was going in an obvious direction. Well, I was right about what I had figured out- but I was wrong too! There was so much more to it, many twists that the book left in such a surprisingly short amount of time. I really enjoyed our street sweeper as narrator, as well as his reflection. The story is interesting from his POV as we learn the same things he does with often similar reactions. The history made up for this kingdom and world is intriguing and it leaves a fascinating world behind to play around with. I really enjoyed this book and will be following Johnstone to see what she writes next!
I can't even remember how I came across this book but the description was enough to intrigue me. Early on in the reading I thought I things figured out (let's face it about 2 pages in) since it seemed like it was going in an obvious direction. Well, I was right about what I had figured out- but I was wrong too! There was so much more to it, many twists that the book left in such a surprisingly short amount of time. I really enjoyed our street sweeper as narrator, as well as his reflection. The story is interesting from his POV as we learn the same things he does with often similar reactions. The history made up for this kingdom and world is intriguing and it leaves a fascinating world behind to play around with. I really enjoyed this book and will be following Johnstone to see what she writes next!
October 20, 2015
Sweeping Changes, by author Mara Johnstone, is a fun read, filled with magical and whimsical delights. It's an adventure that twists and turns and slowly unfolds many mysteries and questions. I would say it's appropriate for teen and up. There are some very original and unique things in this book, that I have not thought of or heard of, or even read before. It's quite a creative tale, and I think there is potential for making a good series. Maybe starting with a prequel to lay the foundation, deepening and developing the characters backgrounds and backstories. I'm looking forward to what she may publish next. Enjoy!
December 19, 2016
Sweeping Changes is a fun, whimsical fantasy from a talented debut author! A blend of adventure and a little mystery thrown in, it’s a fresh and original story that will leave you guessing. It's a quick read, but I thought the plot twists were really clever! The writing is suburb and from the first sentence, I was intrigued. I wonder if there will be a series here?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews