Fantasy/SF Book Reviews
Changer by Jane Lindskold
Eos, December 1998.Paperback, 498 pages.
ISBN: 0380788497.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In modern day New Mexico, immortals walk the Earth, but
hide from the human world. Known by many names throughout
the years, King Arthur still rules the Athanor, a group
of immortals, some of whom are shapeshifters. The greatest of
these is the Changer. Unpredictable and wild, the Changer takes human
form and allies himself
with Arthur and company when his family is murdered. (Only his
young daughter, a coyote pup, survived.) While searching for the
killer, Arthur and the Changer encounter another problem -- many of the
Athanor, such as the yeti (Abominable Snowman), fauns and
other non-shapeshifting creatures are tired of being in hiding and
want to tell the world of their presence. As Arthur strives to keep
order in his kingdom, and the Changer searches for his enemy,
dark forces are plotting to destroy the very Harmony of the Athanor.
The Changer will have to assume many shapes and disguises to
find a killer, and to help save the Athanor's very existence.
Changer is a remarkable work of urban fantasy. Lindskold skillfully weaves myth, legend and the modern world into a complex story which intrigues and enchants. From the rainforests of Brazil to the depths of Poseidon's ocean, the story shows a magical side of our world which exists side by side with the mundane, everyday world. With sly humor, daring adventure and a wonderful cast of characters, this is one novel you won't be able to put down. Highly recommended.
Mission Child by Maureen F. McHugh
Eos, December 1998.Hardcover, 385 pages.
ISBN: 0380974568.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
On a planet colonized by Earthers long ago and forgotten until
recently, Janna lives in the northern, icy plains with her
tribe until they are killed in a dispute. Before the attack, one
of the missionaries gives Janna three gifts of technology which
will help her survive on her long trek to find other
relatives in another tribe. The book follows Janna's life
as she journeys across the planet, experiencing hardship, love,
loss, death and even a spiritual gender change as she disguises
herself as a boy to escape being attacked.
For humanist SF, Maureen McHugh is without equal. Her novels are character-based, and explore themes of gender, love, loss and the conflict between the technological and the primitive ways of life. Essentially a character study, Mission Child is an in-depth study of the young woman Janna and her journeys, both physical, emotional and spiritual, and how she is affected by the strange people and places she meets along the way. The character of the cross-dressing shaman is especially entertaining. Although at times, one wishes that Janna would show a little more emotion, it is the nature of her people to be stoic. Devotees of intellectual and character-driven SF will enjoy this book.
Return to the February 1999 issue of The IWJ.
More from Writers Write