Book Review: Changes in the Land

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

Adams Park: one family’s curse, another family’s burden. 

Changes in the Land is an enthralling piece of fiction that seamlessly blends horror and mystery in an enigmatic, earthy New Hampshire setting. 

Elias Thornton, along with his children Josiah and Drusilla, carry the weight of responsibility for their family’s purpose. Passed down from generation to generation, they are the caretakers and the protectors of the nature preserve known as Adams Park. Its thousands of acres of land, its animals, its estate’s human inhabitant (Valeria Adams), and its secrets. 

The heiress of the estate, Valeria, is somehow ageless, and she believes she knows all the secrets of her family’s curse; it has been bestowed upon her decades ago when she came across a strange cave and it changed her life forever. She is a viper in sheep’s clothing. The further we delve into her history, the more vile she becomes, however justified she believes she is in the actions of her past.

Dr. Steven A. Baird is a history professor, collecting research on the history of Adams Park and of its owners’ genealogy. As he’s drawn closer to the heart of the mystery and begins to unravel the truth of his connection to Valeria, the greater the peril he faces.

As these three characters, their families, and their destinies intertwine, a gruesome and wholly terrifying prophecy is set in motion.

Author Matthew Cheney delivers a hauntingly powerful tale with Changes in the Land. This book offers a potent lesson in karma and a stark reminder of the importance of respecting our land and each other.

A unique strength to this set-up is that it draws inspiration from a real private game reserve known for its hunting parties with the elite, including presidents like Teddy Roosevelt, in the early 20th century. Unlike the historical park, the fictional Adams Park has a much bloodier and horrific history that readers uncover through alternating perspectives. The use of various mediums, including Dr. Baird’s diary entries and his research papers, add depth and intrigue, creating apprehension in the reader akin to waiting for two trains to collide, as competing narratives, past and present, surge toward a shocking climax.

The background of Adams Park and the heinous events that took place on its land over generations is an aspect of the narrative that helps create an atmosphere of palpable tension building tantalizingly through the story. Cheney weaves a compelling supernatural element and adeptly explores the way our actions leave an imprint on the earth—whether ethereal or concrete. You’ll find yourself almost rooting for the land to take its revenge on the Adams family by the end of this.

Cheney has crafted a succinct and efficient plot in a short amount of pages, leaving just enough room for mystery and well-rounded character development. Who knew nature could be so terrifying? Horror fans with a healthy respect for our environment are going to love this novella.

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