Sorcerer's Gun (Changeling Saga) [Paperback]

The Sorcerer's Gun takes us back to the worlds established in The Changeling War. The war between earth and the Castle wages on, with the Pale Man seeking domination on both worlds. Joe Beast and his uncle, Roman Petranova wage their own war against the Pale Man to get back Roman's son, Ernie. Ernie's spirit has been released from his body and now resides in the dead, animated body of a soldier of the Gray. Mrs. Mendeck transport Brian and Joe to the Castle for Brian to further his magical education and for Joe to find his cousin. Eric Jacobson and Summitch continue in the company of a magical being, Gontor, and fight with the Army of the Green against the might of the Gray. We are also introduced to a new, mysterious character referred to as The Growler. This book focuses more on the Castle than it does on the earth, but the earth still plays a large part of the story. The characters are explored and developed a little more as well.

The Changeling Saga (The Changeling War, The Sorcerer's Gun, and The Magic Dead) literally begins with a bang, as a mobster shoots middle class executive Alan Clark in front of his home. This seemingly isolated event triggers a domino effect that not only changes the life of Clark and his family, but also the lives of the inhabitants of three worlds.

Millennia before the events related in this trilogy, travel and trade between these worlds was common. Due to the evil machinations of several power mad Judges (i.e. wizards) and the so-called High Ones, however, the gates between the worlds were closed. With that closure, the knowledge of the alternate worlds also disappeared - only a select few remain aware of their sister realities.

Even so, interaction between the worlds has not been totally eradicated. For instance, the powerful mage known as the Pale Man has set up shop on Earth as a fixer, intervening in human affairs in return for future favors from his desperate customers. One such favor results in the shooting of Clark by mobster Joe Beast. Unbeknownst to the Pale Man, Clark is the adoptive father of a Changeling, a mystical being born on the world known as The Castle, but secreted on Earth to mature without interference. A young man of great, if as yet untapped power, Brian Clark is destined to play a major role in subsequent events; his spiritual and emotional odyssey forms the backbone of this sprawling tale.

Author Peter Garrison (a pseudonym for veteran fantasy and horror scribe Craig Shaw Gardner) has described the trilogy as "Pulp Fiction meets Lord of the Rings". His stated objective: blending elements of modern day thrillers with those prevalent in the world of fantasy. A tough task, certainly, but one that Gardner pulls off with deceptive ease as mobsters and mages clash. Sporting a huge cast of characters and myriad story lines, the Changeling Saga is rich with memorable incident and teeming with action. It's a curious blend of several genres and styles of writing. In addition to its darker elements, this adventure also contains some deeply humorous moments--in my personal favorite, alien warriors visit Earth and try to blend in by disguising themselves in loud Hawaiian shirts. You have to be patient for these moments, however, as the majority come in the final volume, The Magic Dead; the first two installments are, in hindsight, merely setting the table for the events of the final volume (which itself is open ended, suggesting that sequels are possible).

Although a bit overlong, The Changeling Saga is on the whole a strongly written, well-constructed tale--the juxtaposition of the magical and the ordinary is milked for all it's worth, and its myriad characters are uniformly lively and memorable. Crafted by an accomplished storyteller, this edgy, charming, character-driven adventure rises above mere formula fantasy. Garrison manages to breathe new life in to many stock fantasy tropes, allowing readers to look at them from a fresh perspective--big, daring, often times manic, the Changeling Saga is a breath of fresh air for those who've grown weary of by-the-numbers fantasy.

The Sorcerer's Gun by Peter Garrison is the second volume in the Changeling saga that was started in The Changeling War. It picks up right where the first book left us hanging. TSG is just as good as the first book and doesn't let up.

The characters are developed further as we get a closer and more in depth look at the fantasy world of the castle. Some of the book still takes place in our "real" world as it did in the first book, but most of it takes place in castle.

As some mysteries get resolved in this book, more get introduced. The plot grows, but it is still understandable and fun. This series is a great one for both veteran fantasy readers and for first time fantasy readers.

This installment of the Changeling Saga ends like the first, with the reader hanging and wishing for more. The third volume is scheduled for publication in early 2000 so there won't be too long to wait!