Fantasy novel by Jane Lindskold. * * * *

King Arthur, aka Gilgamesh, aka Odin, has a problem. Well, several problems.

In his Arizona hideaway, he has to prepare for a conclave of all the Athanor, earthly beings who appear to be immortal.

If that wasn't enough of a headache, all of the nymphs, Satyrs, sasquatches, unicorns, and the like are tired of being shut away from civilization. Sure, fear might provoke the mortals into something drastic -- but they (especially the satyrs) want to get out and have some fun!

Then the Changer, one of the oldest and most powerful athanor, arrives with a severely injured child of his (It is a coyote pup -- the Changer had been living as Coyote for awhile). He is angry -- someone is out to destroy him!

As events progress, it becomes clear that someone is out to destroy King Arthur and his allies. The trouble is, the methods they use just might destroy everyone and everything....


Although the immortals among us theme is a well-trodden path in Fantasy fiction, Ms Lindskold manages to present it in a novel way. Well worth reading.

Changers are a race as described in consider phlebas, a science fiction book by Iain M. Banks. Changers have the ability to change their appearance to impersonate other human forms. In the book consider phlebas, the main character Bora Horza Gobuchul is a changer. He impersonates people such as the captain of the ship he is taken aboard. Changers also have many 'weapons' installed. These are close combat weapons, involving such features as poison beneath the fingers to give scratches that kill or just injure someone.
The Idirans are one of the groups in the book, they are at war with the culture. Bora Horza Gobuchul was hired by the Idirans as an assassin during the conflict between the Idirans and the Culture. There is another changer featured in the book named Perosteck Balveda, she is an agent of the culture. Her mission is to try and kill Horza.
Changers are considered very dangerous and thus do not like to give the fact that they are changers away. Humanoids who encounter them may be very afraid thus making their work harder.

Chan"ger (?), n.

1.

One who changes or alters the form of anything.

2.

One who deals in or changes money.

John ii. 14.

3.

One apt to change; an inconstant person.

 

© Webster 1913.