Changeling

After being accused of heresy and booted from his religious sect for questioning the authenticity of a religious artifact, 17-year-old Luca De Vere is recruited by the Order of the Dragon, a unit commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate supernatural occurrences across Europe. In another part of the country, 17-year-old Isolde is banished to a nunnery to prevent her from claiming her inheritance. But after Isolde arrives, the nuns begin walking in their sleep, have visions, and suffer from open wounds. Luca is sent to investigate and soon romance blooms between the two young people. Narrator Charlie Cox does an excellent job performing Isolde and Luca, as well as all the rich supporting cast—the narrator seems to almost relish playing the book’s smarmy characters. Additionally, Cox is adept at creating a sense of lingering dread and dramatic urgency. However, he is most impressive when he voices the two protagonists, so thoroughly capturing the essence of angry and fragile Isolde that listeners may forget that Cox is a male performer. Ages 14–up. A Simon Pulse hardcover. (May)