Rating: 
Summary: Fiction in peak form
Review: This novel and the sequel, Legends Walking, were among some of the best speculative fiction I have ever read. I am a huge literature snob, a book has to be well written as well as in possession of a compelling story line for me to even LIKE it. I loved this novel. The characters are well developed, interesting, and (if such a thing is possible when discussing Gods and mythic heros) realistic and naturally portrayed.(Please forgive any spelling errors, I was weaned on spell-checkers). The writing style is simple and elegant, and the weaving of myths from many cultures is done with style and grace. I highly recommend this novel, and the sequel, Legends Walking.
Rating:
Summary: A fresh (and refreshing) voice
Review: This was my first Lindskold book, and I was enthralled by the writing style and completely believable characters. I am not a real fan of contemporary fantasy and have just about given up on the genre This book changed my mind. Lindskold bring a fresh and well-schooled voice to the party. There is plenty of back-story, but even though this is part of a series, I did not feel that I missed anything. While I was disappointed with the way she brought the story to a close, the book was difficult to put down and one that I heartily recommend.
Rating:
Summary: Spell-binding
Review: This was one of those books that I just couldn't put down. It was a fascinating explanation behind many of the major myths and fantasies from almost all the various areas of the world. In addition, the characters were very "human" with both strengths and weaknesses. In some books you can only work up tepid enthusiasm about the characters, but in this book you find yourself really caring about the people and what's happening to them. By the end of the book I almost found myself wondering if there really are "immortals" living among us. I also enjoyed the animal viewpoints, and the obvious pro-environmental theme that ran through the book as well. And now I feel like I've actually visited New Mexico! If you like fantasy, and larger-than-life heros, this is the book for you!
Rating:
Summary: A rich feast for the mind and the soul
Review: This wonderful novel gives us insights into the life of the "gods". Here they are no longer lost in the mists of myth, nor are they just numinous borderline persons. Instead they emerge as various and changeable as human beings. The author has given us a rich tapestry of scholarship, history and archetypal psychology. What happens when those who are "different" and immortal attempt to solve the problems and conflicts of the everyday world. Problems of politics and evil, eros and anguish, the nature of growth and change are explored here with a difference! It is a fruitful exploration and the reader will gain much in enjoyment as well as insight.
Rating:
Summary: Urban fantasy at a high level
Review: Urban fantasy -- having the elements of our myths real and among us in the modern world -- is a recent development in the SF/F field, but a promising one. There are a number of accomplished practitioners; Charles de Lint, for instance, and Emma Bull. Jane Lindskold has elbowed her way into the front rank with CHANGER. It's got Arthur, Enkidu, Yetis on the Internet, Davy Jones' Locker, a family-conscious were-coyote in New Mexico who doubles as a raven, and much else. Plus great characterization, lovely backgrounds -- I live in New Mexico myself, and I can tell how accurate she is about our beautiful light-filled landscape -- and dynamite action. Not to mention a wry and puckish sense of humor! Buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Urban fantasy is hard to do well, but when well done it's dynamite -- it combines the fantastic and the everyday in a way that sharpens the appeal of both. Lindskold does it; throw in a dynamite plot, intriguing characters, and an excellent, supple prose style, and you've got quite a book!
Rating:
Summary: Truly intelligent fiction
Review: Urban fantasy is hard to find -- there are few authors out there, and many of them (sorry, Mr. DeLint) are getting a little tired. I was overwhelmingly pleased to find Jane Lindskold's Changer -- it was subtle and intelligent, light-handed and complex, and if nothing else a brilliant character study. It made me go back and look at my Jospeh Campbell, to study up on hero myths, and think about why exactly it is that we all want to believe, as a reviewer mentioned below, that beings such as the Athanor do really exist. I have since tracked down several of Lindskold's earlier works, and while more heavy-handed, you can still see the attention to character and the fascination with technology interlinked with the fantastic. I have ordered the next Athanor novel, and am sure it will be as good, if not better.
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