Review of Changed

[Rajnee Varma]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Changed" by Vicki Stiefel.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Changed is the second book in author Vicki Stiefel's romantic science-fantasy series, The Made Ones Saga. The first book is Altered, and the story concludes in Awakened. Breena awoke to new surroundings with a new, young and healthy body in place of her 56-year-old body of a trapeze artist. The last thing she remembered was hiking with her sisters in Maine. She was brought into a parallel world, Eleutia, by the clan of Alchemics who ruled the world and controlled the various animal clans symbiont with their respective animals. It was a world where the female population was declining and women from Earth were brought to increase the birth rate. Women like her were called the Made One and were hated by many. Breena found herself in Catamount, the home of the Cat Clan, in the custody of Gato, the Alpha of the clan. She was not ready to be a trophy in a challenge where men would compete for her as a breeding mate. She must plan her escape, but to where? And she had to find her sisters before anything else.

The author has created a fantastic realm of a parallel world of Eleutia—a world in which people resemble humans on Earth physically and emotionally, and yet they are different in terms of the use of magic and bonding with their symbiont animals. Different clans exist with characteristics of their respective symbiont animals. Alchemics are a clan of people superior in science and technology who control the clans and prohibit them from using high magic or scientific research. The flying horses, called mistrals, are the prized possessions of a few, and people born with superpowers are forced to live as outcasts in a secluded city. The portrayal of the fantastical world is enchanting but not overblown. Each book in the series features one of the sisters as the protagonist and tells her story in the saga. The novel has a huge canvas and a large number of well-developed characters. Breena retains her stubborn temperament, physical endurance, and flexibility from her previous life as a circus artist. Her love for animals results in her bonding with two puma cubs, surprising everyone. Gato, as the Alpha of his clan, is outwardly a tough man but in reality a loving and caring emotional man. There are diverse characters—warriors, healers, jealous lovers, spies, devoted friends, sentient animals capable of communicating mentally, and gifted people having superpowers. There are underground research labs, a secret rebellion alliance, and a group that opposes women like Breena.

The author’s writing style is descriptive in the third person perspective. The characters’ emotions are well illustrated in their contemplative thoughts, and the smallest of details are presented interestingly. I liked the playful cubs and the adult cougar Bartholomew. The story is clear to follow without reading the first book, and readers will want to read the sequel. There is nothing negative or lacking about the book. However, the poor editing and too many typos prohibited a perfect rating. My overall rating of the book is, regrettably, 4 out of 5 stars.

I found the book really engaging and suspenseful. The language is elaborate and sophisticated, making the book a good read for mature readers. I would recommend the book to people who like fantasy and romance. However, due to its mature content, I would not suggest it to young readers.

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Changed
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[Wamboi Susan]

"She was not ready to be a trophy in a challenge where men would compete for her as a breeding mate. She must plan her escape, but to where? And she had to find her sisters before anything else." An intriguing review of Changed" by Vicki Stiefel. i would like to know how all this adventure unfolded. I have to delve into this series, thank you i have enjoyed the review!

[Joe Alex 2]

The concept of a parallel world like Eleutia, with its animal clans and symbiotic bonds, really stands out to me. I’d love to know more about how Breena’s bond with the puma cubs plays into the story and the dynamics between the clans. The mix of magic, rebellion, and romance sounds intriguing, though I’d need to see past the typos to fully enjoy it. This might be worth a read if the world-building is as captivating as described.

[Leslie coccia]

This book seems like an enchanting second book in the series, and even more interesting because it doesn’t over do it regarding the “fantastical” elements as well. Good review!

[Nati Jiniya]

Thank you for this beautiful review! The book sounds interesting and unique, I'd love to give it a try. I don't have much experince with this genre, so it would be adventurous.