R. Chris Reeder

I enjoyed the Changeling’s Daughter. I’m not sure if it was aimed at a middle aged woman, but I enjoyed it just the same. The story evolved nicely, giving the mysteries away bit by bit, I suppose it could be compared to Harry Potter, both main characters thinking the were human and discovering they had powers, then discovering worlds they didn’t know existed and solving major problems.
A few editorial hiccups such as the same chapter twice and the extra page between each chapter which show more became tiresome. I felt a little deflated when finding Brynn (the main character) having to choose between three tasks to complete successfully to get somewhere (old hat) and was confused when because of magic had to have her friend home by daybreak, but then her siblings and parents were already on their way to school which in a small town seemed a tad early.
Overall I enjoyed the world that was introduced and found the story easy to read. The Changelings Daughter is a great debut novel. show less

I adored the book. Within two chapters I was completely hooked.
I loved the style, I loved the theme (growing up, coping with all sort of things you do not understand), I loved the conversations between the two friends, I loved the way in which the book was written, as a quest, I loved ... just so much of the book.
Yes, I would have liked to know more about the brother. Now I see him not often enough. And yes, I do think the relation between mother and daughter is too good tu be true show more (apologies to all the mothers).
But all in all, I loved the book. show less

The Changeling's Daughter by R. Chris Reeder is a delightful story about how the world around us may not be what it seems. Based in Welsh mythological folklore, this book follows fourteen-year-old Brynn McAwber in a journey of self-discovery and heroism. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.

I would rate The Changeling's Daughter to be at about a ninth grade reading level. However, it contains more profanity than I would recommend for the average young teen--in fact, enough for show more a YA novel. This combined with the reading level of the book makes for a story that doesn't quite fit in either category. Thus, four stars instead of five.

A more detailed review of this book will eventually appear on my blog, www.techno-literate.com. show less

Brynn McAwber thinks she is a normal 14 year old living in Indiana until unusual things start happening. She starts sleepwalking, and discovers that she can turn invisible. At the same time a strange little man keeps showing up and her father disappears on mysterious errands. A sword-carrying woman seems to to watching her and her parents are keeping secrets from her. When she discovers the truth about herself and her family she finds herself on a journey to the Otherworld to save her best show more friend and to become the hero she was meant to be.

This novel has many aspects of a modern fairy tale. Brynn meets mysterious helpers on her quest who give her cryptic advice or items to help her on her journey. But this is a slightly twisted fairy tale with the “good guys” not always the heros and the “bad guys” not necessarily bad. Brynn is brave and resourceful but in many ways a normal teenage girl. The relationship with her best friend is refreshing and positive. While she gets help from others, it is Brynn herself who saves the day. I appreciate a book with a strong female protagonist who makes moral choices and learns the importance of being the best you can be.

The Land of Annwfyn and otherworldly beings Brynn encounters have fairy tale elements with some steampunk thrown in. This isn’t a long novel, and more time exploring this other world would have been fun. All of the characters Brynn meets are interesting and intriguing and leave me wanting to know more about them. There are some unresolved issues at the end of the novel which leave me hoping for a sequel.

I would recommend this novel for readers who enjoy modern fairy tales. Especially appropriate for older children and youth who would enjoy a strong young girl as the hero. show less