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Changelings #2
In a Dark Land
n the enchanting conclusion to the Changelings duology—Can Izzy and the Changelings find the lost King’s Key in time to save Earth?
What is a Fairy without her magic?
Life hasn’t been the same since Izzy found out she was a Changeling during a trip to the magical land of Faerie. Sure, she’s glad to be back on Earth with her human family, but she can’t stop thinking about the amazing friends she left behind. Even worse, Izzy can’t seem to change anymore. She can’t stand the thought of losing all ties to the one place she felt like she truly belonged. So when Izzy gets a chance to return to Faerie, she’s quick to say yes.
But when a new evil threatens not only Faerie, but Earth itself, will Izzy get her magic back in time to help save everyone she loves?
What is a Fairy without her magic?
Life hasn’t been the same since Izzy found out she was a Changeling during a trip to the magical land of Faerie. Sure, she’s glad to be back on Earth with her human family, but she can’t stop thinking about the amazing friends she left behind. Even worse, Izzy can’t seem to change anymore. She can’t stand the thought of losing all ties to the one place she felt like she truly belonged. So when Izzy gets a chance to return to Faerie, she’s quick to say yes.
But when a new evil threatens not only Faerie, but Earth itself, will Izzy get her magic back in time to help save everyone she loves?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
15 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Christina Soontornvat
41 books750 followersChristina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 6, 2017
This is a rough review to write because on the one hand, it's not a BAD book, and I don't want to be too harsh, but on the other hand, I didn't like it much, and I don't want to pull my punches just because the author kindly sent me an advanced copy of the book.
For those unfamiliar, this is the sequel to The Changelings, which I liked a lot. Izzy (who discoverd last book that she is a changeling) has returned to Faerie and embarks on a new quest. This time, she has to stop a witch who wants to capture all the changelings, which if I remember correctly, was also what the witch from the first book wanted, though for a different reason. THIS time, we're told, THIS witch is WAY more powerful.
Incidentally, have you ever seen a movie sequel where the writers seem to have been told, "Just do exactly what you did in the first one, but different"? And you watch the sequel, and it IS just like the first one, but somehow it fails to re-create the magic? Think Pirates of the Caribbean II.
That's about how I felt with this. So this time there's (again) a witch that wants to capture all the changelings, and Izzy and her friends (again) embark on a quest to stop the witch, find the McGuffin, save the world, etc. And it's all FINE. I never felt compelled to keep reading, and I had to keep reminding myself to pick it up, but when I did, I enjoyed it well enough. It was fine. That's my overall review.
I WILL say, there were a couple of moments of genuine suspense and excitement. There's a cool fight where some witches are using super fast-growing plants to keep them off of the ground because if they touch the ground, they'll lose all their powers. So the good guys are trying to cut down their beanstalks (or whatever) while the witches are throwing down spells at them. That was a cool scene. There's also a great moment when one character has committed a crime, and his reckoning comes in the form of a flock of large crows, but it doesn't play out like I was expecting - more subtle and cool than I would have come up with. I liked that. And I liked the very end, the denoument. Also, as with the first book, Soontornvat is a good writer on the sentence and paragraph level; I was never cringing at word choice or at bad editing. I do appreciate that.
In summary, I just didn't feel much for it. Took me more than a month to get through, and I kept feeling like, "Okay, now it's going to finally get started. Now the story is going to kick into gear." I remember thinking that distinctly around page 250 (of 300). But it just never quite took off for me.
2.5 stars, but rounding up to 3 because it ended on a nice note.
For those unfamiliar, this is the sequel to The Changelings, which I liked a lot. Izzy (who discoverd last book that she is a changeling) has returned to Faerie and embarks on a new quest. This time, she has to stop a witch who wants to capture all the changelings, which if I remember correctly, was also what the witch from the first book wanted, though for a different reason. THIS time, we're told, THIS witch is WAY more powerful.
Incidentally, have you ever seen a movie sequel where the writers seem to have been told, "Just do exactly what you did in the first one, but different"? And you watch the sequel, and it IS just like the first one, but somehow it fails to re-create the magic? Think Pirates of the Caribbean II.
That's about how I felt with this. So this time there's (again) a witch that wants to capture all the changelings, and Izzy and her friends (again) embark on a quest to stop the witch, find the McGuffin, save the world, etc. And it's all FINE. I never felt compelled to keep reading, and I had to keep reminding myself to pick it up, but when I did, I enjoyed it well enough. It was fine. That's my overall review.
I WILL say, there were a couple of moments of genuine suspense and excitement. There's a cool fight where some witches are using super fast-growing plants to keep them off of the ground because if they touch the ground, they'll lose all their powers. So the good guys are trying to cut down their beanstalks (or whatever) while the witches are throwing down spells at them. That was a cool scene. There's also a great moment when one character has committed a crime, and his reckoning comes in the form of a flock of large crows, but it doesn't play out like I was expecting - more subtle and cool than I would have come up with. I liked that. And I liked the very end, the denoument. Also, as with the first book, Soontornvat is a good writer on the sentence and paragraph level; I was never cringing at word choice or at bad editing. I do appreciate that.
In summary, I just didn't feel much for it. Took me more than a month to get through, and I kept feeling like, "Okay, now it's going to finally get started. Now the story is going to kick into gear." I remember thinking that distinctly around page 250 (of 300). But it just never quite took off for me.
2.5 stars, but rounding up to 3 because it ended on a nice note.
October 3, 2017
I was so happy to return to Faerie with Izzy, Hen, and the Changelings, and marveled as they faced new challenges, both external and internal. Christina Soontornvat has created such a beautifully detailed world in these books, and I recommend them highly to fans of fantasy of all ages.
July 17, 2018
I couldn't stop reading until the end - I had to discover what Izzy's rhyme was and how she fit into Faerie and Earth. What do you hold in your heart? Should the two worlds be connected? How do questions matter? How do you ask the right one?
Though I could be content with this as my last conversation with Izzy, Hen, Dree, Selden, Lug and Marian, I am hoping to learn more about the Changelings in the future.
Though I could be content with this as my last conversation with Izzy, Hen, Dree, Selden, Lug and Marian, I am hoping to learn more about the Changelings in the future.
August 26, 2017
Izzy finally gets her wish to return to Faerie, but things just aren't the way she imagined. Her sister, Hen, isn't with her. The beastly Unglers are still on the loose and hunting for Changelings like Izzy and her friends. The others live in the castle that once belonged to Queen Morvanna, but Peter (aka the Pied Piper), doesn't want them running about town. If the queen is truly dead and defeated, what is it that he fears? It turns out that there is a real threat, and it may be one that even Good Peter cannot help them overcome.
Full of magical creatures, spells, enchanted abilities, and even fireworks and a hot air balloon, this adventure has as much going on as anyone could wish. Trying to decipher prophetic rhymes and also search for answers about Izzy's birth parents, the friends journey out of the city of Ahvalon and toward the Demon's Dome. If their luck holds, they can find what the villain is searching for and keep both Earth and Faerie safe.
Besides all the wonders of Faerie and the various creatures, there are also themes of belonging, identity, the consequences of past mistakes, and the dangers of letting bitterness taint your view of the world. Izzy isn't the only one trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs; her friends do their own coming of age as they face this danger together.
Perfect for fantasy readers who enjoy humor mixed in with the action and peril of facing off against evil foes. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Full of magical creatures, spells, enchanted abilities, and even fireworks and a hot air balloon, this adventure has as much going on as anyone could wish. Trying to decipher prophetic rhymes and also search for answers about Izzy's birth parents, the friends journey out of the city of Ahvalon and toward the Demon's Dome. If their luck holds, they can find what the villain is searching for and keep both Earth and Faerie safe.
Besides all the wonders of Faerie and the various creatures, there are also themes of belonging, identity, the consequences of past mistakes, and the dangers of letting bitterness taint your view of the world. Izzy isn't the only one trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs; her friends do their own coming of age as they face this danger together.
Perfect for fantasy readers who enjoy humor mixed in with the action and peril of facing off against evil foes. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
October 3, 2017
If you'd care to hear more of how amazing the first novel is, head back to my previous post. Today, we are going to continue the raving with this succinct conclusion to Izzy's wonderful tale. And boy, oh boy, does it have a completely different feeling.
A whole summer has flown by and Izzy still isn't back where she is supposed to be. Or so she feels. This is not the high adrenaline adventure story as the first novel. This is dealing with all the lessons that were discovered in the first novel. The fun spirit of all the characters are all still there but hiding behind the struggles of growing up and finding where you fit in the world.
The darkness and doubt are all just a part of growing up, and this novel handles it beautifully. This is what a middle grade coming of age novel is all about. I thoroughly enjoyed the story even if it wasn't the page turning adventure we got last time. In a Dark Land really proved to me that this is an author who can grow along with her characters. I look forward to future works.
A whole summer has flown by and Izzy still isn't back where she is supposed to be. Or so she feels. This is not the high adrenaline adventure story as the first novel. This is dealing with all the lessons that were discovered in the first novel. The fun spirit of all the characters are all still there but hiding behind the struggles of growing up and finding where you fit in the world.
The darkness and doubt are all just a part of growing up, and this novel handles it beautifully. This is what a middle grade coming of age novel is all about. I thoroughly enjoyed the story even if it wasn't the page turning adventure we got last time. In a Dark Land really proved to me that this is an author who can grow along with her characters. I look forward to future works.
October 20, 2017
When you’re 12 yrs old, all you really want is to be with your new best friends, especially when they are the only friends you’ve ever had. These friends know who you really truly are and you can be yourself when you are with them. If it happens that you learn you are half Faerie-half human, in other words a Changling, something as crazy as you always hoped/feared and they are, too, well, so much the better. The problem is your parents sent you to camp and you don’t know how to get back to your friends. If only they could find you. The tale is a good one and readers will be glued to the page as the Changlings continue their adventures. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 13, 2017
A big thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC for my honest review. Since the book is not out yet-I will be vague and give no spoilers.
This is the 2nd book in the series-and I didn't read the first one. I found that I needed a bit more background to completely understand what was happening-so I would suggest reading them in order or prepare to be a mite confused.
Overall it is a nice story with a lots of twists, and some morals are thrown in as well-well life lessons. This was a fun quick read that I found entertaining and enjoyable and could see it as being read to many children.
This is the 2nd book in the series-and I didn't read the first one. I found that I needed a bit more background to completely understand what was happening-so I would suggest reading them in order or prepare to be a mite confused.
Overall it is a nice story with a lots of twists, and some morals are thrown in as well-well life lessons. This was a fun quick read that I found entertaining and enjoyable and could see it as being read to many children.
July 7, 2017
Another wonderful story from Christina Soontornvat. The first story was full of action and rich characters and this story picks right up where the first left off. Izzy, the female protagonist, is on a mission to find answers to deep questions. What she learns along the way is the meaning of friendship and family. I cannot highly recommend this series enough of you are looking for a great MG fantasy series to read.
September 7, 2017
This is the second book and I recommend reading the first one. Not only is it a good book, it will be easier to follow along and appreciate the second book.
Many will relate to at least one of the characters in the book. We've all had moments when we are worried about how we look and whether we fit in. It gave me the feeling that no matter what, we are never alone.
I received this advanced copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
Many will relate to at least one of the characters in the book. We've all had moments when we are worried about how we look and whether we fit in. It gave me the feeling that no matter what, we are never alone.
I received this advanced copy from NetGalley for my honest review.
November 27, 2017
What a fantastic sequel! Such great new characters, both friends and foes, and a captivating storyline for Izzy as she discovers new secrets about her past. A definite must-read, and just you wait until you come upon the Fen Whelps!
December 3, 2017
In a dark land by christina soontornov.
Izzy is at camp with her sister. She isn't enjoying it. She longs for faerie. The magical world. She soon joins her friends in faerie. An absolutely fantastic read with great characters. A must read. 5*.
Izzy is at camp with her sister. She isn't enjoying it. She longs for faerie. The magical world. She soon joins her friends in faerie. An absolutely fantastic read with great characters. A must read. 5*.
August 9, 2017
A stellar sequel in a much loved fantasy series!
February 24, 2019
.
I can't express how excited I was to discover that one of my favorite reads of last year had a SEQUEL!!! I mean, isn't that the best feeling ever as a reader?? The prequel is called Changelings, and introduces us to the disturbing and magical world that lays through tree portals in forests, through which Peter the Piper leads changeling children to exchange for human children and vice versa. Changelings are creatures that, as their names imply, can change into other forms, several forms per person. The first book was my very first introduction to this concept and I admit I felt a chilling fascination!! You can find my review of Changelings a few scrolls down in my feed, but this story is a continuation with the same characters and takes place just a few months later. Izzy is desperate to get back to Faerie because she misses her changeling friends and her little sister Hen keeps trying to summon Peter by making endless stacks of rocks and leaves in the forest at their summer camp. Finally, Izzy gets the chance to return, only to find that the peaceful resolution in which she left her friends seems to have shifted once again, with a new villain threatening to disrupt the balance that had been established. As she and her friends work together to combat evil, Izzy learns more about who she is and overcomes profound doubts and fears. I love this series and recommend it wholeheartedly!! 5/5 🌟
I can't express how excited I was to discover that one of my favorite reads of last year had a SEQUEL!!! I mean, isn't that the best feeling ever as a reader?? The prequel is called Changelings, and introduces us to the disturbing and magical world that lays through tree portals in forests, through which Peter the Piper leads changeling children to exchange for human children and vice versa. Changelings are creatures that, as their names imply, can change into other forms, several forms per person. The first book was my very first introduction to this concept and I admit I felt a chilling fascination!! You can find my review of Changelings a few scrolls down in my feed, but this story is a continuation with the same characters and takes place just a few months later. Izzy is desperate to get back to Faerie because she misses her changeling friends and her little sister Hen keeps trying to summon Peter by making endless stacks of rocks and leaves in the forest at their summer camp. Finally, Izzy gets the chance to return, only to find that the peaceful resolution in which she left her friends seems to have shifted once again, with a new villain threatening to disrupt the balance that had been established. As she and her friends work together to combat evil, Izzy learns more about who she is and overcomes profound doubts and fears. I love this series and recommend it wholeheartedly!! 5/5 🌟
March 28, 2022
In a Dark Land is the second Changelings book, picking up several months after the first one ends. It’s a fun, action-packed adventure. You get to see more very imaginative places and creatures of Fairy and get to know some of the other Changelings as well. Izzy’s very interesting origin story is also revealed. I very much enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it to people of all ages. It would make an excellent family read aloud!
June 5, 2022
This is a sequel to Changelings and I just love the magic it brought back. I really enjoyed this book and it was really great to see tIzzy again, Lol! I also got this book from my dad, I still love everything about this book.
September 12, 2025
Delighted to return to this series. The friends are reunited when Peter brings Izzy back to Faerie. They have to work together (without Peter) to save both Earth and Faerie from a dangerous threat. The story unfolds quickly and offers more on each of the known characters.
November 18, 2025
Finished part two of the duology in just two days (1.2 days, really). Soontornvat is a compelling writer who has woven a world of magic in ways that are also human. This fantastical tale has a realistic side to it as it examines our human nature at its best and worst.
February 14, 2021
Perfecto final.
May 1, 2024
LOVED this book. so good.
May 21, 2024
Such a great way to wrap up the series.
One of my favorite childhood books 💖
One of my favorite childhood books 💖
December 27, 2025
I really liked this book, it was just as entertaining and good as the first one. I would reccomend, it provides an entertaining storyline, and is just a great book in general.
August 18, 2018
I loved this book even more than the first. While "The Changelings" was a fun, magical read, it was very tropey and predictable for someone older than its target audience. This book, not so much. Oh, a few twists I saw coming, but for the most part I didn't know where the story was headed; the characters were less cliche (not that they were all too cliched in the first book), and there were several creatures of a sort I'd never seen before.
There were some fairly typical fantasy tropes woven into the story, most notably the hero questing to find her origins, in order to save the world. But the way it was handled was very creative and entertaining to read about, all done with a great balance of whimsical humor and heartfelt magic. Prophetic poems are stored in a clumsily-run library run by an illiterate goat, who's better at eating the books than reading them; lost histories are revealed through underwater puppet-shows performed by mystical mer-walruses; and the Changelings find allies in a race of bow-wielding rabbit-people.
I'll admit that the older, sci-fi reader in me longed for some explanations of these creatures; but the younger, fantasy reader in me appreciated the randomness and whimsy. (Had she used elves, centaurs or mermaids instead of rabbit-people or manatee-sphinxes, I wouldn't have given two thoughts to their origins, and wouldn't have been half as entertained.)
The action, pacing, characters and writing style are all handled just as well as the first book if not better. Personally, my favorite aspect of this book is how it ends up subverting the I'll admit the big reveal at the end was underwhelming, but I'll take it over what I had been expecting.
As with the first book, my one genuine complaint lies with the book avoiding the obvious moral qualms of switching out human parents' children without their knowledge. This story does go into detail about the moral questions of bringing children to alien worlds, but never touches on the most unsettling aspect of the Exchange. This caused the "happy" ending feel a bit unnerving; I really, really hope this is addressed in the third book--and assume and hope there will indeed be a third book. I don't for one minute believe that the story is over, or that certain characters are truly gone.
On the whole, this series is now on my list of favorites. I'll definitely be keeping these books for many future rereads. I hope to make some better artwork for this series down the road, and if I ever have children, this is definitely one I'll be reading to them.
There were some fairly typical fantasy tropes woven into the story, most notably the hero questing to find her origins, in order to save the world. But the way it was handled was very creative and entertaining to read about, all done with a great balance of whimsical humor and heartfelt magic. Prophetic poems are stored in a clumsily-run library run by an illiterate goat, who's better at eating the books than reading them; lost histories are revealed through underwater puppet-shows performed by mystical mer-walruses; and the Changelings find allies in a race of bow-wielding rabbit-people.
I'll admit that the older, sci-fi reader in me longed for some explanations of these creatures; but the younger, fantasy reader in me appreciated the randomness and whimsy. (Had she used elves, centaurs or mermaids instead of rabbit-people or manatee-sphinxes, I wouldn't have given two thoughts to their origins, and wouldn't have been half as entertained.)
The action, pacing, characters and writing style are all handled just as well as the first book if not better. Personally, my favorite aspect of this book is how it ends up subverting the I'll admit the big reveal at the end was underwhelming, but I'll take it over what I had been expecting.
As with the first book, my one genuine complaint lies with the book avoiding the obvious moral qualms of switching out human parents' children without their knowledge. This story does go into detail about the moral questions of bringing children to alien worlds, but never touches on the most unsettling aspect of the Exchange. This caused the "happy" ending feel a bit unnerving; I really, really hope this is addressed in the third book--and assume and hope there will indeed be a third book. I don't for one minute believe that the story is over, or that certain characters are truly gone.
On the whole, this series is now on my list of favorites. I'll definitely be keeping these books for many future rereads. I hope to make some better artwork for this series down the road, and if I ever have children, this is definitely one I'll be reading to them.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews