i didn't like this book so i stopped in the middle. but all i can say was i was falling asleep in the book!! i don't recommend this book!!

kinda weird but really well written...

Having loved Sherman's story "CATNYP" in Datlow and Windling's The Faery Reel, I was very pleased to find out that she was writing a book about the heroine, Neef, a human changeling who lives with the fairy folk in New York Between. Neef's curiosity leads her to break a faerie law and sends her on a quest for three magical items, which she must find if she's to continue her life in New York Between. Any faerie world which includes not only the standard traditional fairies, from brownies to pookas, but also Iolanthe from the G&S operetta, Grahame's Water Rat, and White's Stuart Little, has definitely got my vote. I hope Sherman writes more in this setting.

Though I never really connected with the main character, Neef, I did enjoy other characters quite a bit--especially Changeling (she's pretty great). It's basically a quest story, and though the plot itself is fairly traditional stuff, the world Sherman's built here is really interesting--it reminds me somewhat of the urban setting in China Mieville's Un Lun Dun (somewhat similar concept, different city). And I kind of loved the moral at the end. I'll definitely give other books of Sherman's a try at some point.

Neef is a changeling child, living what she considers a boring life in New York Between's Central Park until she unknowingly breaks the geas protecting her from the Wild Hunt. This enrages the Green Lady, and Neef finds herself not only a target of the Hunt, but banished from her home. She is "saved" by a tengu who happens to have stolen the fairy changeling left in exchange for Neef herself. Will she, or her copy, ever make it back to their homes? Fun read.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” — Neil Gaiman
(This is probably the best quote from a completely different author that I could put with this book. One, because 'Changeling' is a story about a girl raised by fairies. Two, because there is also a dragon in this story.)

Neef is a changeling. She was taken as a young child and a fairy that looked exactly like her was put in her place. She was then taken to Central Park and raised by a beautiful white rat named Astris. Neef might live with the fairies but she is just a mortal child with mortal curiousity and whims which gets her in trouble with the "Green Lady" and sends her on an adventure which may or may not put her life back to rights.

I've read a few 'Fey' or 'Fairy' books before but this one is so full of mythical creatures that I think it is probably one the best reads for those in love with fairy stories. There are so many fairy realm creatures in this book that I couldn't begin to name them all. This book is also full of adventure and is a really good quick read for young-adults. I recommend to anyone looking for something mystical and fun.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Creative and fun, a fantastical parallel universe that at first seems alien and scary, but eventually becomes "home". Well done!

Altamente entretenido, me mantuvo enganchada a la historia de principio a fin, lo que más me gustó fue la cantidad de mitología que manejaron. Lo único que no me gustó fue el final, que me dejó con ganas de más.

Read in 2006

This book is pretty quirky and cute. Its teeming with creatures from Gaelic lore, and really brings them to life. It follows Neef, a human Changeling, trying to discover her place in the world.

What I liked: The attention to detail regarding all the fae beings are a delight. I also liked that it was set in New York, sort of. It paints the picture that these creatures are among us, living their lives in a world in between ours and theirs. It was very sweet and magical. It was especially interesting when she met her fairy counterpart, who lives amongst the humans. Her detachment and strangeness was in direct contrast to Neef's warmth and curiosity.

What I didn't like: I found it hard to like Neef. I realize she has every right to ask questions, but she grew up in a world of fairytales; where naughty children who don't behave get what's coming to them, and yet this does not deter her in the slightest from causing a lot of issues. I suppose, this in itself is one of those tales of warning.

~3 stars

What a fun, quick adventure through New York Between. It was almost too short.

excellent plotting and overall a very fun read, although it raises more questions than it answers in the end (probably why there's going to be a sequel?). as someone who lives in NYC now, i also have to say that i LOVED what sherman does with the setting. =3

Neef is a human changeling living in Central Park in New York Between with her fairy godmother, a giant rat. At twelve-years-old she is starting to itch for some independence and, taking the fairy tales she's been told all her life as her guide, she starts breaking some well-known rules (don't stray from the path, don't talk to strangers) in order to embark on an adventure. Along the way she meets her fairy double left in her place with her human parents and with her help tries to fulfill a quest for three impossible items in order to win her way back home again. Home, in this case, is Central Park in New York Between. There is no desire or expectation that she will return to her human family. This different take on the urban fantasy genre is definitely for a younger crowd than many of the current young adult books. Neef deals with more tween issues of growing independence and the importance of friendhsip bonds while still being very attached to home and family.