Waiting on Wednesday #8

Waiting on Wednesday is a feature hosted by Breaking the Spine

Title: Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1)

Author: Philippa Gregory

Expected Publication Date: May 29, 2012

Blurb from Goodreads: Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.
Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.
Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.
The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Why I’m Waiting: I’ll admit, Gregory’s books have always gone sharply either way with me. But DID YOU READ THAT BLURB? DID YOU? There are so many things RIGHT with this book that I’m drooling. All my favorite genres just got rolled up into one beautiful package and handed to me on a silver platter. Gregory has done some fantastic things with historical fiction, and I’m really interested to see how she’ll handle something paranormal along with the history. Once again, I’m sure this can go either way with me, but for now I’M EXCITED. (Plus, the cover looks pretty spectacular, don’t you think?)

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