The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde: Review

“This book will change you whether you like it or not,” so reads the blurb on the back of this book. The Changing Man is a school story that is also a horror story with themes of identity, fitting into social norms and belonging. This is a book that is perfect for young readers. The characters are definitely well-rounded, in particular, Ife Adebola, who is the main character.

Ife joins the Urban Achievers scholarship programme at the elite, high-achieving Nithercott School and she instantly knows something is up. From a disappearing student Leon who never returns, to another student, Malikia, who goes missing but then returns devoid of feeling or any personality, what is happening? Who or what is to blame? Is there truth in the rumour of the Changing Man? Ife teams up with fellow schoolmates Ben and Bijal to investigate this mystery. But can they act quickly enough to uncover who is behind everything, before one of them is the Changing Man’s next victim? Concluding with a gruesome battle and an explosive finale, this tense thriller will engage readers and keep them looking over their shoulders.

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