The changing man by Tomi Oyemakinde

One look at the eerie cover of an orange figure against a black background warns readers that they are in for a thrilling ride. Ife Adebola has won a scholarship in the Urban Achievers program and is finding life at the exclusive Nithercott School very different to her state school. Soon after her arrival at the school, she hears about Lucas, a boy who has disappeared, and encounters his brother Ben, who believes that he would never run away and is determined to find him. Meanwhile rumours about The changing man permeate the school. Has The changing man taken Lucas?

Ife does not want to be pulled into the politics and gossip that circulates throughout the school. Even though her classmate Bijal wants to be friends, she is still caught up with friends from her previous life. When Malika, a girl who was helping her creep out at night to meet her friend from her old school, turns up at school a changed person, she realises that something strange is going on. Is there some truth in the urban legend about The changing man? Why did she see a strange figure and smell a peculiar odour? She joins with Ben and Bijal to investigate what is going on and they follow a series of weird clues while seeking out the truth.

The changing man is a unique take on the trope of scholarship girl trying to fit into an elite school. Ife tries to cover up her feisty nature at the start but it comes to the fore as she suspects what is going on. The supernatural elements about the disappearance of some students and the changed nature of others blend in with the boarding school world and the hair-raising events that the trio face as they face immense danger will have readers holding their breath.

I will look out for more books by Tomi Oyemakinde.

Themes: Supernatural, Fantasy, Horror, Boarding school, Change, Friendship, Loneliness.

Pat Pledger