The Changeling Saga 3: The Magic Dead [Paperback]

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 Saga continues as Growler teaches Brian how to become a Maker. Back on Earth, Mrs. Mendeck teaches Karen how to control her powers while being chased by the Pale Man. Gontor and company go to earth and ally themselves with the Petranova's against the Pale Man. The Pale Man is captured and the company returns to Castle with him. The renegade judges and everyone else (it seems like) meet near the gate at the end of the book. The gate is opened and now the Changelings are free to leave Aubric. Everyone is happy, etc. The only problem with this book is the ending. It ends really abrubtly, while there is room for much more. Yet this is the final book in the saga. Maybe it isn't so bad after all...it leaves you wanting more....

ending? uh.... what ending?