The Oddmire: Book One - Changeling

*Out July 16!!

I knew the minute I saw the cover for Changeling I wanted to read it! I am a sucker for all things magic and adventure, but as I read I realized more and more that this story was about family and what exactly we would do as individuals to be there for our family. The characters, not only the boys - but their mother, were very well-developed, so much that I intend to pull out behaviors and decisions as mentor texts in my classroom. They're very easy to like - or dislike - if the character you enjoy is the one turning, or isn't.

The Oddmire, Book 1: Changeling is a must-read. It is filled with magic, adventure, and curiosity. The storyline follows twin brothers, Tinn and Cole, who set out on an adventure for self-discovery (yes, one of the twins is actually a goblin, but neither truly knows who is the real goblin!). This was a fantastic read and filled with fantasy and folklore; as well as mystery and a some spooky-ness. 

I already decided from the first few chapters in that I would be recommending this to my Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Serafina, Dark Deep - plot type lovers. 

William Ritter is a YA author who transitioned his writing over to MG - I have to say, I haven't read any of his YA, so I am only judging based off this new MG series, but I already know it's going to be a favorite series for my fantasy and even spooky book lovers. 

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Synopsis: 

Magic is fading from the Wild Wood. To renew it, goblins must perform an ancient ritual involving the rarest of their kind—a newborn changeling. But when the fateful night arrives to trade a human baby for a goblin one, something goes terribly wrong. After laying the changeling in a human infant’s crib, the goblin Kull is briefly distracted from his task. By the time he turns back, the changeling has already perfectly mimicked the human child. Too perfectly: Kull cannot tell them apart. Not knowing which to bring back, he leaves both babies behind.

Tinn and Cole are raised as human twins, neither knowing what secrets may be buried deep inside one of them. Then when they are twelve years old, a mysterious message arrives, calling the brothers to be heroes and protectors of magic. The boys must leave behind their sleepy town of Endsborough and risk their lives in the Wild Wood, crossing the perilous Oddmire swamp and journeying through the Deep Dark to reach the goblin horde and discover who they truly are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

William Ritter is an Oregon author and educator. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys

in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.The Oddmire is Ritter’s

first series for middle-grade readers. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling,

award-winning Jackaby series for young adult readers. Visit him online at

rwillritter.wordpress.com and find him on Twitter: @Willothewords.