CHANGERS

A teenage girl learns about her destiny in McDaniel’s YA series starter.

Cassie Thomas is a lonely 15-year-old girl living in the Sierra Nevada mountains with her mother. Her life changes forever after she meets Rusty, a red-haired dog who becomes utterly loyal to her; he follows her to and from school and spends all his time with her. Soon afterward, Cassie meets Jack, a Scottish teen who introduces her to her hidden destiny. It turns out that she’s a Changer—a member of an ancient people who can transform into animals; in Cassie’s case, it’s initially a spotted cat, although her ability to change into other creatures is revealed later on. She also finds out that she has a twin brother, Vinnie; they’re the Twins of the Prophecy, who are destined to return their people to greatness. Jack, it’s revealed, is Cassie’s Protector who can transform into a dog; he and Rusty are one and the same. Later, the twins and their Protectors travel to a beautiful Scottish castle, where family and friends await. Cassie learns more about her new powers, deepens her relationships with Jack and Vinnie, and investigates the mysterious Benedictine Monks who seem to hate all Changers with a passion. McDaniel’s whirlwind novel introduces Cassie as a tough, funny protagonist who manages a variety of situations with aplomb. Various mysteries and new characters weave in and out of the story, some more solidly than others; there’s an awful lot going on in this first series entry, and sometimes it shifts its focus rather abruptly. The first part of the narrative spends a great deal of time with Jack and Rusty, for example, but once Vinnie enters the picture, Jack’s importance wanes considerably. Still, when Jack is present, it’s always a treat, and readers will find it easy to root for a romance between him and the protagonist. It’s also exciting to see her powers unfold and to witness other characters accepting the once-lonely girl into their lives.

A fun tale of shapeshifting adventurers.