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Changeling Blood #1
Changeling's Fealty
A ragged newcomer...
With a secret even he doesn't know
A backwater city...
With a countdown to an explosion no one is expecting
A secret Covenant...
And a conspiracy to break it to pieces
Jason Kilkenny is a new arrival in the Canadian city of Calgary. Unlike most newcomers, Jason isn't looking for a job in oil and gas: he's a half-fae changeling that wants to get away from the politics of the inhuman races.
He soon learns that despite being a supernatural backwater, the city is run by a near-godlike Wizard-and the shadows are full of unseen dangers. Jason's here to hide, but he finds himself called to service by Calgary's understaffed Fae Court.
As supernatural politics collide in his new home, Jason's plan to keep his head down is shattered and he finds himself testing the limits of his meager gifts. He cannot run, he cannot hide...and if he loses, he loses everything.
With a secret even he doesn't know
A backwater city...
With a countdown to an explosion no one is expecting
A secret Covenant...
And a conspiracy to break it to pieces
Jason Kilkenny is a new arrival in the Canadian city of Calgary. Unlike most newcomers, Jason isn't looking for a job in oil and gas: he's a half-fae changeling that wants to get away from the politics of the inhuman races.
He soon learns that despite being a supernatural backwater, the city is run by a near-godlike Wizard-and the shadows are full of unseen dangers. Jason's here to hide, but he finds himself called to service by Calgary's understaffed Fae Court.
As supernatural politics collide in his new home, Jason's plan to keep his head down is shattered and he finds himself testing the limits of his meager gifts. He cannot run, he cannot hide...and if he loses, he loses everything.
310 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2017
718 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 1, 2023
3.5 stars
Non-Calgarians probably won't get the same amount of joy out of this urban fantasy set in my city. But for those of us who live here and rarely see our home featured in fiction, this novel held little bursts of happy every time I recognized a location or neighbourhood. Mind you, trust an Ontario author to label Calgary as a “backwater" city!
As an urban fantasy, this is a pretty standard book. We have Jason Kilkenny, a changeling who is tired of being kicked around by the stronger fae in his home state of Georgia. His research indicates that Alberta has many fewer inhuman citizens and he decides to try his luck at a ‘normal' humanlike life in Calgary. Needless to say, Jason's plans go wildly astray. He is claimed by Queen Mabona as a Vassal and given what looks like an impossible mission, to rescue the Wizard of Calgary.
Of course there is a connection with Fort MacMurray and the oil sands. Besides crude, the sands also produce a magical substance which is sought by fae, shifters, and vampires. The compound itself is neutral but can be used for good or ill (rather like petroleum, really).
I am disappointed that our library doesn't have further volumes of this series. I would surely read them if they were available. But I don't think the writing is good enough to pursue them through other avenues. Nevertheless it was a fun ride!
Non-Calgarians probably won't get the same amount of joy out of this urban fantasy set in my city. But for those of us who live here and rarely see our home featured in fiction, this novel held little bursts of happy every time I recognized a location or neighbourhood. Mind you, trust an Ontario author to label Calgary as a “backwater" city!
As an urban fantasy, this is a pretty standard book. We have Jason Kilkenny, a changeling who is tired of being kicked around by the stronger fae in his home state of Georgia. His research indicates that Alberta has many fewer inhuman citizens and he decides to try his luck at a ‘normal' humanlike life in Calgary. Needless to say, Jason's plans go wildly astray. He is claimed by Queen Mabona as a Vassal and given what looks like an impossible mission, to rescue the Wizard of Calgary.
Of course there is a connection with Fort MacMurray and the oil sands. Besides crude, the sands also produce a magical substance which is sought by fae, shifters, and vampires. The compound itself is neutral but can be used for good or ill (rather like petroleum, really).
I am disappointed that our library doesn't have further volumes of this series. I would surely read them if they were available. But I don't think the writing is good enough to pursue them through other avenues. Nevertheless it was a fun ride!
July 27, 2019
So, this whole book was written by a Canadian gun nut. There's guns literally everywhere. In Canada. Everyone's packing heat. I loved how the main character was just given guns and expected to know how to use them -- ops, he came from the US so he MUST know how to shoot a gun, right? There's magic and vampires and shifters and shit like that but the real magic here is gunz.
Every person literally had a room dedicated, floor to ceiling, with gunz and ammo. Like hundreds of thousands of rounds and thousands of guns. They all just pile in and load up. All these supernatural creatures claim multiple guns. Why write an UF if all you want to write about is guns?
This is a really short book but it took SO LONG to read. The exposition in here is horrifying. Actually, the real magic is how this book was published -- hell, how the author could write this level of terrible exposition AFTER PUBLISHING LIKE 30 OTHER BOOKS. This reads like this authors first book ever. It makes all the first book mistakes. Over exposition, stupid choices, things always going the hero's way, and so I thought -- and I'm not kidding -- that I might give this book 2 stars because obviously this is this author's first book and I looked (to see if the author was really Canadian, despite his hardon for handgunz) and I was floored to see how many books he'd published.
This is an author who obviously has never tried to better his craft. He's obviously never gotten a story editor to point out the ridiculous nature of his plots and his expositions.
I mean, he stops action scenes for non-essential exposition. For example, in one scene, they'd escaped a bomb and one of the people was hurt. So faery guy was like 'we must merge heads so i can find the iron and get it out, and you can sense iron' and the MC's like coolsie. They do and he sees a memory of faery guy. After this, he launches into this long, long history of this faery guy, because that's important right now, while he's on the ground bleeding to death. Like, how/why he got to Canada (during one of the WWs, so this goes back a ways), when he was born, how he made his way through the world, etc. etc. What does that have to do with the current situation? Absolutely nothing!
I think that's what's so galling about authors like this. He obviously has talent but hell if he'll improve his craft when he can just skate along in life, right?
I'd give this book and author a pass.
Every person literally had a room dedicated, floor to ceiling, with gunz and ammo. Like hundreds of thousands of rounds and thousands of guns. They all just pile in and load up. All these supernatural creatures claim multiple guns. Why write an UF if all you want to write about is guns?
This is a really short book but it took SO LONG to read. The exposition in here is horrifying. Actually, the real magic is how this book was published -- hell, how the author could write this level of terrible exposition AFTER PUBLISHING LIKE 30 OTHER BOOKS. This reads like this authors first book ever. It makes all the first book mistakes. Over exposition, stupid choices, things always going the hero's way, and so I thought -- and I'm not kidding -- that I might give this book 2 stars because obviously this is this author's first book and I looked (to see if the author was really Canadian, despite his hardon for handgunz) and I was floored to see how many books he'd published.
This is an author who obviously has never tried to better his craft. He's obviously never gotten a story editor to point out the ridiculous nature of his plots and his expositions.
I mean, he stops action scenes for non-essential exposition. For example, in one scene, they'd escaped a bomb and one of the people was hurt. So faery guy was like 'we must merge heads so i can find the iron and get it out, and you can sense iron' and the MC's like coolsie. They do and he sees a memory of faery guy. After this, he launches into this long, long history of this faery guy, because that's important right now, while he's on the ground bleeding to death. Like, how/why he got to Canada (during one of the WWs, so this goes back a ways), when he was born, how he made his way through the world, etc. etc. What does that have to do with the current situation? Absolutely nothing!
I think that's what's so galling about authors like this. He obviously has talent but hell if he'll improve his craft when he can just skate along in life, right?
I'd give this book and author a pass.
April 21, 2018
I enjoyed this. It was my first Glynn Stewart book and I liked it well enough that not only will I be reading the next book in this series but I'm also going to go dig up some of Stewart's catalog and see what else he's got going on. I'm thinking I'll start with his Starship's Mage series.
Good characters, decent mystery/investigation/action without needing for it to be a police procedural, interesting political structure for the supernaturals. I'll be back.
Good characters, decent mystery/investigation/action without needing for it to be a police procedural, interesting political structure for the supernaturals. I'll be back.
February 13, 2018
If I had not been recommended this book the mention of vampires in the blurb would have caused me to pass it by.
The book deals with my pet peeve of fantasy tropes in a fresh way and they have a minor role in the plot.
I give a 5 star review seldom. And only when things such as plot, characterization, world building, and good grammar have all had their boxes ticked. And one other thing which has been turning me off quite frequently of late in my genre reading, the lack of some shred of goodness in the protagonist. By the end of the book you know that he is a good man. I get enough of the other sort in the news every day
I also listened to the audible version for a bit and this requires me to mention the thing that made me return to reading the book rather than listening. The reader is a good one who had no option but to use a southern accent as said accent is a plot point. But having made that decision and having used an Irish accent for a minor character he then neglected to use western Canadian accents where they would have been called for. This jarred quite strongly as I have lived in both the Canadian west and the American south. The result is that for me accents need to be both accurate, and consistent in their application in an audible performance. In this case the text gave the performer no option but to use a southern accent, but having done so he should have applied Canadian accents where needed.
The book deals with my pet peeve of fantasy tropes in a fresh way and they have a minor role in the plot.
I give a 5 star review seldom. And only when things such as plot, characterization, world building, and good grammar have all had their boxes ticked. And one other thing which has been turning me off quite frequently of late in my genre reading, the lack of some shred of goodness in the protagonist. By the end of the book you know that he is a good man. I get enough of the other sort in the news every day
I also listened to the audible version for a bit and this requires me to mention the thing that made me return to reading the book rather than listening. The reader is a good one who had no option but to use a southern accent as said accent is a plot point. But having made that decision and having used an Irish accent for a minor character he then neglected to use western Canadian accents where they would have been called for. This jarred quite strongly as I have lived in both the Canadian west and the American south. The result is that for me accents need to be both accurate, and consistent in their application in an audible performance. In this case the text gave the performer no option but to use a southern accent, but having done so he should have applied Canadian accents where needed.
July 25, 2018
Good things, bad things - hence the three start rating.
The plot itself seems pretty solid. I like that.
The author's writing is clear and easy to understand. I like that.
The world itself seems like one of the generic hand waved 'masquerade' types 'yeah, we've been hiding here among you this whole time'. Cool. I'm neutral about that.
The reader of the audio book doesn't go in to the main characters southern accent too much. Does sometimes. Hence, I am neutral. I am not a fan of the 'southern accent'.
The MC is a bit dim. I dislike this. It's another in an endless line of reactionary protagonists which have almost become the generic MC. I dislike that. You would think that if someone has to deal with intrigue they study intrigue. If someone gets sucked in and trampled by it and didn't even make an effort (I'm too busy with my job and girlfriend to do something that may help me and my friends to survive) I have no sympathy for them. Only the 'luck of the heroes' keeps natural selection from taking effect. Which I find unfortunate.
Overall, I rate it 'meh, sure.'
The plot itself seems pretty solid. I like that.
The author's writing is clear and easy to understand. I like that.
The world itself seems like one of the generic hand waved 'masquerade' types 'yeah, we've been hiding here among you this whole time'. Cool. I'm neutral about that.
The reader of the audio book doesn't go in to the main characters southern accent too much. Does sometimes. Hence, I am neutral. I am not a fan of the 'southern accent'.
The MC is a bit dim. I dislike this. It's another in an endless line of reactionary protagonists which have almost become the generic MC. I dislike that. You would think that if someone has to deal with intrigue they study intrigue. If someone gets sucked in and trampled by it and didn't even make an effort (I'm too busy with my job and girlfriend to do something that may help me and my friends to survive) I have no sympathy for them. Only the 'luck of the heroes' keeps natural selection from taking effect. Which I find unfortunate.
Overall, I rate it 'meh, sure.'
November 30, 2017
Good urban magic type book. Likeable character with potential, well fleshed support cast, plot was interesting if not especially imaginative or tight.
I have two gripes that are a little jarring in an otherwise pleasant book. One is that early on the author keeps going on about height, but plainly has no idea on what average heights actually are. He says a number of times "tall for a human, much taller than / shorter than average / than me at X. Average height in the western nations for men is 5'10, that doesn't make anyone tall. Being shorter than that doesn't make anyone average. I would imagine that in the protagonists age group and ethnicity the average is higher.
The other is that the protagonist is 24, but doesn't have a smart phone, and even after getting one which is "the latest that comes with maps" he is always asking people for directions. Nobody under 30 ever asks for directions. Everyone just puts the address into maps and goes. It's such a weird and deviant behavior without explanation.
I have two gripes that are a little jarring in an otherwise pleasant book. One is that early on the author keeps going on about height, but plainly has no idea on what average heights actually are. He says a number of times "tall for a human, much taller than / shorter than average / than me at X. Average height in the western nations for men is 5'10, that doesn't make anyone tall. Being shorter than that doesn't make anyone average. I would imagine that in the protagonists age group and ethnicity the average is higher.
The other is that the protagonist is 24, but doesn't have a smart phone, and even after getting one which is "the latest that comes with maps" he is always asking people for directions. Nobody under 30 ever asks for directions. Everyone just puts the address into maps and goes. It's such a weird and deviant behavior without explanation.
August 14, 2023
Beware ARC reviews
There were so many stellar reviews that I was seriously looking forward to this book, but when the author gets something as fundamental as the MC's classification wrong (a half breed is NOT a changeling) then it's going to be downhill from there. I have no desire to read anything else by this author, which is sad since the premise was sound.
There were so many stellar reviews that I was seriously looking forward to this book, but when the author gets something as fundamental as the MC's classification wrong (a half breed is NOT a changeling) then it's going to be downhill from there. I have no desire to read anything else by this author, which is sad since the premise was sound.
October 4, 2018
Exposition central.
February 21, 2020
“This is a harsh time,” he told us. “It is through the strength of individuals and their bonds to each other that we will survive. Draw on each other’s strengths and those of those around you. Only as a Clan, only as a people, only as friends and lovers and family will we survive.”
3.0/5.0 Changeling's Fealty is a fun start to new series by Glynn Stewart. It follows a young man Named Jason Kilkenny, a half Fae trying to live a mundane normal life but suddenly is thrusted into a crazy and politically fueled nightmare. While I definitely felt the plot and concept between the Fae/Vampire/Werewolf's interesting, the overall vibe was kind of pulled down by flatter than normal characters and slight pace issues. The politics involved with each faction I felt was deep but without depth to the characters it felt bare boned and unsupported. I still had a fun little read and will most likely continue on the series.
3.0/5.0 Changeling's Fealty is a fun start to new series by Glynn Stewart. It follows a young man Named Jason Kilkenny, a half Fae trying to live a mundane normal life but suddenly is thrusted into a crazy and politically fueled nightmare. While I definitely felt the plot and concept between the Fae/Vampire/Werewolf's interesting, the overall vibe was kind of pulled down by flatter than normal characters and slight pace issues. The politics involved with each faction I felt was deep but without depth to the characters it felt bare boned and unsupported. I still had a fun little read and will most likely continue on the series.
November 19, 2022
I think it must be ordering books for my then adolescent daughter (Sarah J Maas etc) that makes Amazon think I have a predilection for YA fiction. And, of course, Kindle Unlimited makes it far too easy to pick it up. However.
The author is quite prodigious with 10 (ten!) series, some with more than a dozen titles plus assorted other works so he’s a busy boy. Another 300 words by teatime! This likely explains the workmanlike feel and the occasional clumsiness to the prose. Gets very much ‘and they went and they went’ after a while.
The author is Canadian and the story is set in Calgary. You wouldn’t know it because, other than the references to the temperature, there’s precious little description of the protagonist’s adopted home city.
There’s a slightly fetishistic attention to the weaponry. Frankly, I don’t care if it’s a Glock 8, an AK47 or Jupiter X9000 Deathstick. And since when did powers like Greater Fae bother with mundane weapons? At the Boss battle at the end we get a hint of how powerful entities might do combat, but it’s all been guns, guns, guns up to that point.
There’s not much in the way of character development, not even for the protagonist. Most of the supporting cast have names but no personalities. And the hero? Well, he’s a mild mannered delivery driver by day, and by night, a changeling (oh, and changelings are fae and humans exchanged at birth, not fae half-breeds ...) one-man army. He rescues pretty damsels in distress, faces down vampires, uncovers treacherous plots, casts green fire with his mind. That kind of thing.
I wearied of this style of, err… content generation a long time ago. When I was a teenager it was Perry Rhodan (still going I believe) or John Norman’s Gor series. Essentially the same story told over and over again. YA fiction doesn't have to be prosaic. Earthsea, Citizen of the Galaxy, Elidor are all excellent examples of SF & Fantasy for younger readers.
The author is quite prodigious with 10 (ten!) series, some with more than a dozen titles plus assorted other works so he’s a busy boy. Another 300 words by teatime! This likely explains the workmanlike feel and the occasional clumsiness to the prose. Gets very much ‘and they went and they went’ after a while.
The author is Canadian and the story is set in Calgary. You wouldn’t know it because, other than the references to the temperature, there’s precious little description of the protagonist’s adopted home city.
There’s a slightly fetishistic attention to the weaponry. Frankly, I don’t care if it’s a Glock 8, an AK47 or Jupiter X9000 Deathstick. And since when did powers like Greater Fae bother with mundane weapons? At the Boss battle at the end we get a hint of how powerful entities might do combat, but it’s all been guns, guns, guns up to that point.
There’s not much in the way of character development, not even for the protagonist. Most of the supporting cast have names but no personalities. And the hero? Well, he’s a mild mannered delivery driver by day, and by night, a changeling (oh, and changelings are fae and humans exchanged at birth, not fae half-breeds ...) one-man army. He rescues pretty damsels in distress, faces down vampires, uncovers treacherous plots, casts green fire with his mind. That kind of thing.
I wearied of this style of, err… content generation a long time ago. When I was a teenager it was Perry Rhodan (still going I believe) or John Norman’s Gor series. Essentially the same story told over and over again. YA fiction doesn't have to be prosaic. Earthsea, Citizen of the Galaxy, Elidor are all excellent examples of SF & Fantasy for younger readers.
March 22, 2018
Glynn Stewart has done it again!!! Another great book series in this case a trilogy has been started. At this point I don't know if there is even a Genre that is safe from Glynn Stewart xD. Every genre Stewart has written a book in so far has been greatness. I can't even claim to be surprised anymore, He is, just that good. If you are new to the Glynn Stewart fan base check out all his other books. I promise you that they are just as amazing.
Now on to the review of the book.
I really loved this from the moment I started listening to it, I just felt the story strike me and I couldn't put it down. You know that feeling when you have read fairy books before, your reaction goes something like this. OH NO, NOT ANOTHER GENERIC ATTEMPT AT A FAIRY LORE BOOK ABOUT OBERON AND TITANIA!!! Well good news you don't have to worry!!! Why??? Because Glynn Stewart doesn't write mediocre crap like that!!!! No this is a unique plot with unique lore and everything here was imagined by Glynn Stewart. There is amazing action, plot twists, romance, friendships, hardships and death. This is a another one of my favourite series by 1 of my favourite authors. You really connect with the characters and the world building is great. There is also several moments where you will laugh at the protagonist xD. Magic, secrets, mysteries, and so much more. What are you waiting for go buy it now!!!
Now on to the review of the book.
I really loved this from the moment I started listening to it, I just felt the story strike me and I couldn't put it down. You know that feeling when you have read fairy books before, your reaction goes something like this. OH NO, NOT ANOTHER GENERIC ATTEMPT AT A FAIRY LORE BOOK ABOUT OBERON AND TITANIA!!! Well good news you don't have to worry!!! Why??? Because Glynn Stewart doesn't write mediocre crap like that!!!! No this is a unique plot with unique lore and everything here was imagined by Glynn Stewart. There is amazing action, plot twists, romance, friendships, hardships and death. This is a another one of my favourite series by 1 of my favourite authors. You really connect with the characters and the world building is great. There is also several moments where you will laugh at the protagonist xD. Magic, secrets, mysteries, and so much more. What are you waiting for go buy it now!!!
July 5, 2018
This book really surprised me. It's not often that a book turns out as good as the synopsis makes it sound. Jason is a great main characters. He's a relative weakling with no connections, but it's clear there's a lot of potential there.
I think the thing I liked most in this book is that Jason is set a very difficult task by someone in authority over him, but they don't just walk away after that. They keep an eye on him and provide support in appropriate ways. We don't hit deus ex machina levels of support, just enough to keep him going. Also, the people in different factions around him talk to him and everyone listens to each other. It was delightful. Jason does make his share of bone headed decisions, as it expected of a newbie, but he makes good decisions too. I loved it.
The world building was well done and very interesting. The characters around Jason are interesting as well. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book.
I think the thing I liked most in this book is that Jason is set a very difficult task by someone in authority over him, but they don't just walk away after that. They keep an eye on him and provide support in appropriate ways. We don't hit deus ex machina levels of support, just enough to keep him going. Also, the people in different factions around him talk to him and everyone listens to each other. It was delightful. Jason does make his share of bone headed decisions, as it expected of a newbie, but he makes good decisions too. I loved it.
The world building was well done and very interesting. The characters around Jason are interesting as well. I'm certainly looking forward to the next book.
July 23, 2018
Re-reading this in anticipation of Hunter's Oath. Loved it the first time around, and it hasn't lost its attraction in the second round. Excellent pacing, a strong central character, and plot clearly situated in both human and inhuman worlds. I hope this means that Stewart is settling in for the long haul with the changeling series. In the first installment, he's created a cast of characters that could provide novel-fodder for decades.
I did notice a few typos, which were my only complaints in an otherwise fabulous urban fantasy.
If you enjoy Patricia Briggs, try Stewart. He's got a lengthy backlist to enjoy.
I did notice a few typos, which were my only complaints in an otherwise fabulous urban fantasy.
If you enjoy Patricia Briggs, try Stewart. He's got a lengthy backlist to enjoy.
November 18, 2017
Don't Tick Off the Vassal
Even running off to Calgary in Canada does not allow Jason Kilkenny to escape the politics and intrigue of the Fae Court. Oh! And he didn't know that he was the Fae Queen's Vassal. Guess what? She has a mission for him. Fail the mission many people in the city will die, including him. What's a Vassal to do but kill all the bad guys and protect the girls. I like the well-written characters and story line. Jason's character is compelling and grows incompetency. I look forward to the next book.
Even running off to Calgary in Canada does not allow Jason Kilkenny to escape the politics and intrigue of the Fae Court. Oh! And he didn't know that he was the Fae Queen's Vassal. Guess what? She has a mission for him. Fail the mission many people in the city will die, including him. What's a Vassal to do but kill all the bad guys and protect the girls. I like the well-written characters and story line. Jason's character is compelling and grows incompetency. I look forward to the next book.
December 18, 2017
Not really a standout UF. This one felt very much like a setup book for the series. I've found that Stewart's series tend to improve once he gets the first book out of the way, so I'll pick up the second to see where the story goes next.
October 6, 2018
This was a different approach to supernatural politics for me. I had problems with a few things. The changeling label was repeated enough times that I was forced to consider that the writer may not do the best Urban Fantasy. I thought that Changelings are supposed to involve humans and Fae exchanged at birth or something like that. The american main character knowing all about guns is probably a global perception of the US, of which everyone in U.S. media and politics are (unfortunately) crazy proud. The number of guns floating around Calgary was staggering and surprising, though. With so few supernaturals, I expected more magical weapons instead of cold iron rounds (hundreds of thousands of rounds for a supernatural population of less than 500, seems a bit much).
The main character and his girlfriend are fun to read. A relationship that was adult and covered in an adult manner for adult readers made the read worth it by itself. Actually most of the supernatural characters were fun and felt as if there was some depth to them. Reading about a magical creature taking public transportation to all his destinations was a very nice surprise. I felt for him, it reminded me of my own public transport adventures (not as exciting but just as draining).
I felt some real world depth in the humans, as well as the supernaturals. The separation of the shape shifters, feeders and Fae was a nice touch. The interactions worked for me and the plot just moved along at the perfect pace.
I basically only really remember the "Junkyard Druid" series and Anne McCaffrey's (I think) urban fantasy series, so I'm not much of an expert on the genre but I liked the way this story flowed and the writing was a treat. The next book is cued up already on my kindle.
The main character and his girlfriend are fun to read. A relationship that was adult and covered in an adult manner for adult readers made the read worth it by itself. Actually most of the supernatural characters were fun and felt as if there was some depth to them. Reading about a magical creature taking public transportation to all his destinations was a very nice surprise. I felt for him, it reminded me of my own public transport adventures (not as exciting but just as draining).
I felt some real world depth in the humans, as well as the supernaturals. The separation of the shape shifters, feeders and Fae was a nice touch. The interactions worked for me and the plot just moved along at the perfect pace.
I basically only really remember the "Junkyard Druid" series and Anne McCaffrey's (I think) urban fantasy series, so I'm not much of an expert on the genre but I liked the way this story flowed and the writing was a treat. The next book is cued up already on my kindle.
October 23, 2019
DNF 58%
I can believe Fae magic, vampires, Were's and the between, but I can't believe the level of stupidity displayed by the characters in this novel. The entire plot depends on none of the main characters talking to each other. The author doesn't even try to veil this by having surprising events interrupt people before they can talk. Apparently they just don't think of it.
To make matters worse, the author appears well aware of this weakness and deliberately tries to fool the reader into ignoring it. The mechanism he uses is to have Jason think about the things he should say. If you're not paying attention, it seems like he actually said these obvious things. It's just weak.
In general, I've enjoyed many of Stewart's other books. I can't explain why he dropped the ball so badly here. Perhaps he thinks that fantasy readers are already suspending so much disbelief that anything goes. In reality, the opposite is true. It is because of the unreal setting that the writer must work harder to provide a sense of verisimilitude.
I can believe Fae magic, vampires, Were's and the between, but I can't believe the level of stupidity displayed by the characters in this novel. The entire plot depends on none of the main characters talking to each other. The author doesn't even try to veil this by having surprising events interrupt people before they can talk. Apparently they just don't think of it.
To make matters worse, the author appears well aware of this weakness and deliberately tries to fool the reader into ignoring it. The mechanism he uses is to have Jason think about the things he should say. If you're not paying attention, it seems like he actually said these obvious things. It's just weak.
In general, I've enjoyed many of Stewart's other books. I can't explain why he dropped the ball so badly here. Perhaps he thinks that fantasy readers are already suspending so much disbelief that anything goes. In reality, the opposite is true. It is because of the unreal setting that the writer must work harder to provide a sense of verisimilitude.
November 1, 2019
Solid beginning in a new series filled with a variety of supernatural characters. I'd just come off of a string of books that had failed to entice me to finish them. Frankly, I started this book when I was up and down in the middle of the night with a nasty gastro-intestinal bug and the book that I was in the middle of reading (an very good autobiographical account of one hiker's thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail) kept going on and on about food about every other page. It was NOT what I needed at that moment.) So the conditions weren't very auspicious when I started this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued and grateful beyond words to be distracted by a good story with snappy dialogue from Page 1 to get my mind off my misery. We have the fae, we have wizards, we have shape-shifters and gnomes, and we have some vampires thrown in for good measure in this story. If that sounds confusing, it's actually not. The supernatural politics got a little confusing in spots but the main character was just as confused by it all so I felt in good company. There were also rip-roaring battle scenes and weaponry descriptions for those who like that kind of thing. The story has a definite beginning and end but leaves the stage set for the next book in the series. I appreciated that since I particularly dislike books that leave you abruptly in the middle of a cliffhanger, as though it is Friday at the soap operas and you can just turn on your TV for the next installment the following Monday, instead of having to wait most likely a freaking year for the next book. Well done, Glynn Stewart.
July 8, 2018
Put succinctly: this is an urban fantasy version of the ship’s mage. Jason is a changling. He believes that the father he has never met was a low-level fae, a Will-o-Whisp to be exact as conjuring fire is his only power. After a few misfortunes in his past, he moves to Calgary to start anew. Here he stumbles upon a conspiracy. The queen of the fae, Mabrona, enlists his aid as Jason is a vassal to her by way of his father’s bloodline. Jason indeed has Will-of-Whisp blood in his veins, but not from his father, but his mother, who was a changeling as well.
The reason this book reminded me of starship was that like Damien our not very impressive hero goes up against a conspiracy and uncovering a special talent along the way, which helps him to succeed where no one else can. He also gets injured a lot.
Something I noticed not in the ship mage, but rather in the spin-off, Red Falcon, is the somewhat inconclusive development of power. This is also a problem in this book. In the beginning, Jason says that he can barely control his fire powers. With purpose, be can barely light a cigarette. This is partially because he seldom used them. It was also explained that fae manifest their full power within three years of their awakening. However, this time was long past for Jason. It was never properly explained how he advanced from a cigarette lighter to wielding a fiery whip. And no, his father’s powers are different. You'll figure it out while reading the book.
This small qualm aside, I really enjoyed this book. Probably as much as Damien Montgomery's series.
The reason this book reminded me of starship was that like Damien our not very impressive hero goes up against a conspiracy and uncovering a special talent along the way, which helps him to succeed where no one else can. He also gets injured a lot.
Something I noticed not in the ship mage, but rather in the spin-off, Red Falcon, is the somewhat inconclusive development of power. This is also a problem in this book. In the beginning, Jason says that he can barely control his fire powers. With purpose, be can barely light a cigarette. This is partially because he seldom used them. It was also explained that fae manifest their full power within three years of their awakening. However, this time was long past for Jason. It was never properly explained how he advanced from a cigarette lighter to wielding a fiery whip. And no, his father’s powers are different. You'll figure it out while reading the book.
This small qualm aside, I really enjoyed this book. Probably as much as Damien Montgomery's series.
August 23, 2020
Okay, I've now finished the book. Having gotten to the end I'll give it a 3 but... Only barely. The characters were fine but nothing special. The story was decent enough, except for some ugly plot armor points, to keep me following but not really quite enough to get me deeply engrossed. I'll try out the next book but I'm not exactly excited.
I will openly admit I am not writer. I don't have the skills or creative talents to pull it off as far as I can tell. But seriously... I truly believe if you are going to actually ask people for money for the stories you share you should do better than lazy and obvious plot armor around parts of a story. That is my opinion vented. Have a nice day. :)
I will openly admit I am not writer. I don't have the skills or creative talents to pull it off as far as I can tell. But seriously... I truly believe if you are going to actually ask people for money for the stories you share you should do better than lazy and obvious plot armor around parts of a story. That is my opinion vented. Have a nice day. :)
January 7, 2018
Urban modern-day fantasy of the highest caliber
I had zero expectations starting this book, was not familiar with the author, nor was it recommended by anything other than the Kindle Store due to my genre preferences, so I was quite pleasantly surprised as I delved into Changeling's Fealty. And "delve" is an accurate verb, because there are definitely layers to this story, which I won't go into because spoilers should be punishable by flaying. Suffice it to say that I found the story exceedingly easy to sink my teeth into, and I was lost in this tale like only the best ones can do. The worldbuilding, characters, and style of Mr. Stewart reminds me greatly of Mr. Jim Butcher, which is one of the highest literary complements I'm capable of. If you're a fan of The Dresden Files or The Furies Of Calderon, definitely give this book a chance to similarly entertain you, and if you read this book and enjoyed it but have no idea what I'm talking about, you are in for a real treat, Christmas morning-level goodness. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing this series progress, it has the makings of something great.
I had zero expectations starting this book, was not familiar with the author, nor was it recommended by anything other than the Kindle Store due to my genre preferences, so I was quite pleasantly surprised as I delved into Changeling's Fealty. And "delve" is an accurate verb, because there are definitely layers to this story, which I won't go into because spoilers should be punishable by flaying. Suffice it to say that I found the story exceedingly easy to sink my teeth into, and I was lost in this tale like only the best ones can do. The worldbuilding, characters, and style of Mr. Stewart reminds me greatly of Mr. Jim Butcher, which is one of the highest literary complements I'm capable of. If you're a fan of The Dresden Files or The Furies Of Calderon, definitely give this book a chance to similarly entertain you, and if you read this book and enjoyed it but have no idea what I'm talking about, you are in for a real treat, Christmas morning-level goodness. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing this series progress, it has the makings of something great.
April 14, 2019
Glynn Stewart starts off another series with a bang! Jason Kilkenny has had it with politics and the multiple rumblings that the Fae community has in the South of the US. He figures go north to a sparsely populated city in order to get away from the petty grievances he is tired of. So onto Calgary, Canada. Just to find out that this mid-sized city is the closest city to a large mine of precious metal for the Fae, Changeling, and Shifter communities. He is greeted by the regular Lord but is surprised by discovering there is a Wizard in the city. As he starts to acclimate to Calgary he saves a Shifter from a group of Vampires. Vampires are feeders and they like nothing better than a good tasting Fae or Shifter to their usual meal of human blood. This gets him in touch with his blood vassalage and in direct line with the Queen of all Fae.
Great world building that promises a really fine series. The characters are really interesting and the interaction between them is really good. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Great world building that promises a really fine series. The characters are really interesting and the interaction between them is really good. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
October 18, 2021
Fast paced Urban Fantasy
Jason Kilkenny, a nearly penniless and definitely weak Fae changeling moves to quiet and cold Calgary seeking to escape politics and live a mainly mortal life. Naturally he is soon dragged deeper and deeper into the very circles of power he had hoped to avoid. His selfless nature will earn him friends along the way who will prove invaluable allies in his unwanted but highly necessary quest - and he will need them merely to survive! Featuring Fae, Magi, Were Creatures, Vampires, Hags, The Wild Hunt, etcetera. This book is as clean, violent, political and magical as any of Glynn Stewart's lone efforts, and readers expecting his favourite tropes of the orphan with very special abilities rising out of nowhere will not be disappointed. The pace is faster than either Starship's Mage or Onset series, and needs to be with only 3 books in total. It also never leaves planet Earth, unless you count travelling to the mystical Between, which is another plane, but still the same planet.
Jason Kilkenny, a nearly penniless and definitely weak Fae changeling moves to quiet and cold Calgary seeking to escape politics and live a mainly mortal life. Naturally he is soon dragged deeper and deeper into the very circles of power he had hoped to avoid. His selfless nature will earn him friends along the way who will prove invaluable allies in his unwanted but highly necessary quest - and he will need them merely to survive! Featuring Fae, Magi, Were Creatures, Vampires, Hags, The Wild Hunt, etcetera. This book is as clean, violent, political and magical as any of Glynn Stewart's lone efforts, and readers expecting his favourite tropes of the orphan with very special abilities rising out of nowhere will not be disappointed. The pace is faster than either Starship's Mage or Onset series, and needs to be with only 3 books in total. It also never leaves planet Earth, unless you count travelling to the mystical Between, which is another plane, but still the same planet.
March 17, 2022
Stewart, Glynn. Changeling’s Fealty. Changeling Blood No. 1. Faolan’s Pen, 2017.
Changeling’s Fealty is the first volume of an urban fantasy trilogy (so far, at least) in which Calgary is shown to be the home of a full set of fae and otherwise supernatural creatures and people. The weather in Jim Butcher’s Chicago has nothing on Stewart’s winter in Calgary. And who knew that stuff from the oil sands of Northeast Alberta would be so important to magic folks. Props for original setting. The first-person hero is Jason Kilkenny, a young guy from the American South, whose changeling heritage has made it hard for him to negotiate the fae politics of the region. He has come north looking for a quieter life. When he gets off the bus, he runs into a fellow, who bares large canine teeth and says, “Well, lookie here; I think I smell something…faerie.” He is not going to be able to get a job and lead a quiet mortal life. Fun. Stewart is not a great writer, but he always gives the genre tropes a new twist or two. 3.5 stars.
Changeling’s Fealty is the first volume of an urban fantasy trilogy (so far, at least) in which Calgary is shown to be the home of a full set of fae and otherwise supernatural creatures and people. The weather in Jim Butcher’s Chicago has nothing on Stewart’s winter in Calgary. And who knew that stuff from the oil sands of Northeast Alberta would be so important to magic folks. Props for original setting. The first-person hero is Jason Kilkenny, a young guy from the American South, whose changeling heritage has made it hard for him to negotiate the fae politics of the region. He has come north looking for a quieter life. When he gets off the bus, he runs into a fellow, who bares large canine teeth and says, “Well, lookie here; I think I smell something…faerie.” He is not going to be able to get a job and lead a quiet mortal life. Fun. Stewart is not a great writer, but he always gives the genre tropes a new twist or two. 3.5 stars.
January 15, 2020
Honestly was just looking to read some nice and random Urban Fantasy read about Fae and this book was somewhat of an underdog that blew me away.
The writing here is done magnificently and the way the author gradually builds up both the character and the world as you read through is done masterfully. By the end of the first book you wouldn't have thought you'd end up there from the 1st chapter but it was done so gradually that it somehow all fits together.
I normally don't like romance but the somewhat slow burn is a ton better in comparison to most other urban fantasy reads. It builds up slowly enough that when they MC and their partner get together it feels like part of the flow of the story and doesn't deter from the action and intrigue.
I love this world covered in ice and snow, and even the minor supporting characters are much cherished with how they help build up how this world works.
Beautiful read. Can't wait to get started on Book 2.
The writing here is done magnificently and the way the author gradually builds up both the character and the world as you read through is done masterfully. By the end of the first book you wouldn't have thought you'd end up there from the 1st chapter but it was done so gradually that it somehow all fits together.
I normally don't like romance but the somewhat slow burn is a ton better in comparison to most other urban fantasy reads. It builds up slowly enough that when they MC and their partner get together it feels like part of the flow of the story and doesn't deter from the action and intrigue.
I love this world covered in ice and snow, and even the minor supporting characters are much cherished with how they help build up how this world works.
Beautiful read. Can't wait to get started on Book 2.
April 23, 2020
This is a review of the whole series without any spoilers. Please excuse the random capitalization of words, I am working on a German Keyboard.
For what it is, which is NOT the Urban Fantasy I was expecting, it is actually really good.
If you regard this as High Fantasy, with a very healthy dose of Fairytale (not in a bad way) set in an Urban Environment without being classified as Urban Fantasy then you can work with it, at least I could.
It is the kind of story that is entertaining in the "I need some entertainment that is not too "loud" where I can shut my brain off". I really did like the world Building in this one as well, it had some Concept that were at least written very well and that I regard as very imaginative. This kind take on fantasy is very fresh for me as I am lately addicted to the classic Urban Fantasy books.
Im not good in writing reviews but in short; It is a fairy tale for adults, and it works very well as such.
For what it is, which is NOT the Urban Fantasy I was expecting, it is actually really good.
If you regard this as High Fantasy, with a very healthy dose of Fairytale (not in a bad way) set in an Urban Environment without being classified as Urban Fantasy then you can work with it, at least I could.
It is the kind of story that is entertaining in the "I need some entertainment that is not too "loud" where I can shut my brain off". I really did like the world Building in this one as well, it had some Concept that were at least written very well and that I regard as very imaginative. This kind take on fantasy is very fresh for me as I am lately addicted to the classic Urban Fantasy books.
Im not good in writing reviews but in short; It is a fairy tale for adults, and it works very well as such.
January 18, 2018
Different
This book is probably 3 stars, but if I’m going to read the next book I usually make it 4. This is definitely a genre with more female authors than male and I like seeing things from the other side. This is a good book overall but it’s desperate for character growth. Or even just more detail about the characters. They are all really superficial. So it’s not “wrong” or “bad,” it just needs MORE. It could easily be turned into a really great book. He takes the characters and plot into a unique position, and I’ve read most of what is out there, which is difficult to do in this genre as well. The characters just need to be fleshed out. And all of the exclamation marks need to be removed. Or at least most of them. I think their role in writing has changed because of social media so even if they are the right choice technically, they seem a little too perky.
This book is probably 3 stars, but if I’m going to read the next book I usually make it 4. This is definitely a genre with more female authors than male and I like seeing things from the other side. This is a good book overall but it’s desperate for character growth. Or even just more detail about the characters. They are all really superficial. So it’s not “wrong” or “bad,” it just needs MORE. It could easily be turned into a really great book. He takes the characters and plot into a unique position, and I’ve read most of what is out there, which is difficult to do in this genre as well. The characters just need to be fleshed out. And all of the exclamation marks need to be removed. Or at least most of them. I think their role in writing has changed because of social media so even if they are the right choice technically, they seem a little too perky.
May 30, 2024
4.25/5
A very enjoyable read. Quite a bit different in setting from the author's other Urban Fantasy series (ONSET).
There are some minor annoyances though, the main character suffers from a little from Chronicle Hero Syndrome. The pace is a little bit too fast at times. It is also some confusion on how much time it has passed during the story, which makes some of relationships seem to have developed too fast.
But as mentioned these are all minor things, it did not affect my overall enjoyment of the story.
Ah, one last thing. The foreshadowing is very heavy handed, the author seems to love to make some "wink wink, nod nod" moments that end up completely telegraphing the twists. It would be nice to throw some convincing red herrings in the mix to keep the reader surprised with the reveals.
A very enjoyable read. Quite a bit different in setting from the author's other Urban Fantasy series (ONSET).
There are some minor annoyances though, the main character suffers from a little from Chronicle Hero Syndrome. The pace is a little bit too fast at times. It is also some confusion on how much time it has passed during the story, which makes some of relationships seem to have developed too fast.
But as mentioned these are all minor things, it did not affect my overall enjoyment of the story.
Ah, one last thing. The foreshadowing is very heavy handed, the author seems to love to make some "wink wink, nod nod" moments that end up completely telegraphing the twists. It would be nice to throw some convincing red herrings in the mix to keep the reader surprised with the reveals.
July 12, 2024
This was a decent UF book with well-done fae. It struck a nice balance between setting the atmosphere of the mystical, formal fae courts and other supernatural peoples while also keeping in touch with the day to day aspects of the main character’s life.
The plot was fast paced and exciting. I liked the main character, although his internal dialogue felt a bit heavy handed at times. The romance was cute and inoffensive and didn’t take over the main story, which I appreciated.
A couple of small nitpicks: Too many repetitions about Jason’s southern drawl. Way too much detail about the different variations of the same type of weapon. Also, he was 24 and kept asking people for directions instead of just using Google Maps on his smartphone like a normal person, which felt bizarre.
However, nitpicks aside, this was a fun, engaging entry in the UF genre that I would recommend. 4 stars.
The plot was fast paced and exciting. I liked the main character, although his internal dialogue felt a bit heavy handed at times. The romance was cute and inoffensive and didn’t take over the main story, which I appreciated.
A couple of small nitpicks: Too many repetitions about Jason’s southern drawl. Way too much detail about the different variations of the same type of weapon. Also, he was 24 and kept asking people for directions instead of just using Google Maps on his smartphone like a normal person, which felt bizarre.
However, nitpicks aside, this was a fun, engaging entry in the UF genre that I would recommend. 4 stars.
December 16, 2017
Good solid urban fantasy Good start to zeries
Bought this book around midnight stayed up until 5:30 AM reading when I had to sleep. I woke @ 9:30 and finished this 2 hours later.
Needles to say, I found the book very absorbing. Jason Kilkenny is a very good lead character, surrounded for the most part by other fully realized characters. I you like Him Butcher's Harry Dresden series, Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid, or the early Anita Blake series (before book 8), you will like This
Just as a final comment, I am putting the Changeling Blood series on my without list and going to follow the author and check out his other books right now.
This series is
Bought this book around midnight stayed up until 5:30 AM reading when I had to sleep. I woke @ 9:30 and finished this 2 hours later.
Needles to say, I found the book very absorbing. Jason Kilkenny is a very good lead character, surrounded for the most part by other fully realized characters. I you like Him Butcher's Harry Dresden series, Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid, or the early Anita Blake series (before book 8), you will like This
Just as a final comment, I am putting the Changeling Blood series on my without list and going to follow the author and check out his other books right now.
This series is
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