The Word Changers

Here’s a review for the latest incredibly awesome book I’ve read . . .

Currently available as an ebook. Paperback release coming June 23rd!

The Word Changers

by Ashlee Willis

 Summary: Her parents’ marriage is falling apart. Fifteen-year-old Posy feels her life is falling apart with it. Posy retreats to an old library down the street, where she selects a mysterious book in a secluded corner and is magically drawn into its story.

Posy finds herself in a kingdom ruled by a cruel and manipulative king and queen who have attempted to usurp the role that belongs only to the Author of their story. The princess has fled and the kingdom is teetering toward rebellion. Posy is joined by Prince Kyran as they fight against their slavery to the Plot.

Posy and the prince search beyond the borders of the story for the runaway princess. They encounter mysterious places, horrifying monsters, and fierce battles. They make both friends and enemies as their journey leads them into many dangers. But some of the worst dangers, Posy soon finds, lie deep within her own heart. Will she be able to find the courage and forgiveness needed, not only to save the story, but to heal the heartache she knew in her own world?

My Review of The Word Changers by Ashlee Willis

I love allegorical stories when they’re done right, and The Word Changers definitely was. Fantasy and fairytales can present truths in a way that nothing else can. They help me think of things in a new light, and in fact seem to grow my faith more than any other type of fiction.

The allegory in this delightful tale was brought about by the main defining fact of the story: that it takes place in a book within a book. The characters know they are in a book, but many of them have stopped believing in their Author, even though they know they are written characters. Posy, who is not a character at all, but a girl from our own world, is thrown into the midst of this and must try to understand it all for herself. The whole idea and how it was done I found thought-provoking and beautiful.

I loved how the story took place within a book! The idea is just so awesome and was incredibly well done. The whole thing was just so unique and intriguing! As a writer myself, and an avid book lover, I loved every single second of it.

The characters were varied and interesting, and so well drawn that for a long time I wasn’t sure if several of them were good or bad, which created an angle of mystery and suspense. There was awhile there where I wasn’t even sure if anybody was good besides Posy — who was a sweet but relateable main character.

The story itself was gripping and very hard to put down. It twisted and turned and kept me guessing. The writing was a perfect fit for the story, with a lovely sort of lilt. It immersed me deeply in the world. One of my favorite things about fantasy is the fantasy world itself, and the individual feel of each. I loved this one, with its castles, forests, wild mysterious places, and the creatures that inhabit it — from talking owls to centaurs.

Also I love the blue mist. Irrationally. A lot. It was just so original and intriguing. I want a blue mist of my own. ❤

Whew, all the things I loved about this story, and I haven’t even gotten to the main one yet! Which is: Kyran! The story would have been a favorite even without him, but he added so much. Even if this had been a story I disliked, Kyran would have made me love it just by the fact that he was in it. One of my top-favorite characters, Kyran is awesome; enough said.

I only had two problems with the story. One was very minor, which was Posy’s age. Because of the romantic subplot, which was very sweet and innocent — and being the hopeless romantic that I am, I really enjoyed that part of the plot itself — but for some reason I felt like fifteen was a slightly young age for her.

The only other thing was the ending, though I’m not going to give it away. It’s the only thing that is keeping this book off the very select group of my absolute favorite-favorite-favorite books. I felt it coming by the time it came, but I still hoped against all hope that it would turn out just a little differently . . . But despite my disappointment, at least there are enough hints that I can imagine something more might happen — someday. One thing I can’t help but wonder, is… what about the book itself? I want a sequel! 🙂

If it did tear out a little part of me . . . well, such is the peril of loving a book and its world and characters so much. As Posy herself learns. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bottom line: I haven’t read a book this good in a long time and highly recommend it to everyone! I just enjoyed this story way too much! ❤ I’m eagerly looking forward to more books by Ashlee Willis!

**I received an ARC ebook from the publisher in return for my honest review. These opinions are my own.**

 You can find The Word Changers on

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

Be sure to check it out if you like Christian fiction/allegory, fantasy, or even just a rollicking good tale of adventure and love and heroes!

And find Ashlee Willis at

Her Blog

Facebook

Twitter

This author is someone to keep an eye on — I especially enjoy her blog which is full of all kinds of great things; so go check her out!