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Changers of Chandris #1
Crowchanger
For centuries, the conquering Irenthi have ruled Chandris—the island where a race of shape-changers draw on a mountain’s energy to enable their abilities.
Sylas belongs to the oppressed Chesammos race, destined to a life of poverty in Chandris's ash desert. But he has one way out; he can shape-change. Or at least, he shows the signs. After a year of studying, changing still eludes him, and his masters grow frustrated at his lack of progress. On the brink of being sent back to digging for gems in the volcanic vents of the ash desert, the changers’ most notable healer offers him an apprenticeship. He can’t miss this opportunity, though it means leaving his ambitious and possessive lover behind.
But trouble is brewing. Sylas’s usually peaceful Chesammos race are in revolt. His lover is an Irenthi, Sylas's hated oppressors. And the shape-changers are caught in the middle of the conflict, wanting to support the Chesammos, yet in too vulnerable a position to challenge the Irenthi.
Sylas will be seen as a traitor whatever he chooses: to his king; to his lover; to his people. As conflict approaches he must decide: Is he Chesammos or shape-changer, or will he take the third path and choose his Irenthi lover over everything?
Crowchanger is the first novel about the bird-changers of Chandris. Volume 2, Stormweaver, will be published in late Spring/early Summer of 2014.
Sylas belongs to the oppressed Chesammos race, destined to a life of poverty in Chandris's ash desert. But he has one way out; he can shape-change. Or at least, he shows the signs. After a year of studying, changing still eludes him, and his masters grow frustrated at his lack of progress. On the brink of being sent back to digging for gems in the volcanic vents of the ash desert, the changers’ most notable healer offers him an apprenticeship. He can’t miss this opportunity, though it means leaving his ambitious and possessive lover behind.
But trouble is brewing. Sylas’s usually peaceful Chesammos race are in revolt. His lover is an Irenthi, Sylas's hated oppressors. And the shape-changers are caught in the middle of the conflict, wanting to support the Chesammos, yet in too vulnerable a position to challenge the Irenthi.
Sylas will be seen as a traitor whatever he chooses: to his king; to his lover; to his people. As conflict approaches he must decide: Is he Chesammos or shape-changer, or will he take the third path and choose his Irenthi lover over everything?
Crowchanger is the first novel about the bird-changers of Chandris. Volume 2, Stormweaver, will be published in late Spring/early Summer of 2014.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2013
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442 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 13, 2017
Crowchanger (Changers of Chandris #1) by AC Smyth is exactly the type of fantasy I love that blends just the right amount of world building, intrigue and magic to keep me happy. We meet a young apprentice changer, Sylas, who belongs to the Chesammos race, who are historically oppressed by the ruling Irenthi race on the island of Chandris. His prospects aren't great. Although he's studying to master his changing and find his bird form at the Eyrie, the hub for changer culture on the island, he's not particular adept at this. If he doesn't shape up soon, he'll end up returning to the little village where he was born, and join many of the men in his particular village who live out their (short) lives digging for valuable gems.
We also get to know Sylas's Irenthi lover, Casian, who's everything Sylas is not – he's scheming, manipulative and horribly ambitious, and his fixation on Sylas makes me genuinely worried for Sylas's future. Casian will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it results in wholesale destruction ... but I won't say more for fear of spoilers.
My friend Masha turned me onto Smyth's writing, and I'm glad I followed her recommendation, because I'm making book two my immediate next read, especially since I need something a little lighter after having finally finished Robin Hobb's Farseer books. Okay, I lie, Crowchanger is pretty heavy in parts, but the writing isn't as dense as I'm used to, which is perfect. It's populated with memorable characters and a world that is vastly different from the standard Eurocentric fare out there (thank goodness). I can't quite peg all the cultural influences, but I like the idea that the magic of this world ties in with the eruptions of a volcano, and that some humans are able to communicate with bird spirits that enable them to shift into various types.
While the writing is generally solid, Smyth does, in some parts, have a tendency to write a bit fast and shallow, especially at some parts where I felt she could have dug a little deeper to give better layering. But this was not a deal-breaker for me (hence the fact that I'm going to read the rest of the series and those who know me well understand how horribly picky I am).
I agree with Masha that in tone, Smyth's style is very close to Anne McCaffrey's, so if you liked all the Pern books, you'll be right at home with Smyth. She's made me care intensely about her characters and has given me a glimpse into a fascinating world that I'd like to revisit, and that says something.
We also get to know Sylas's Irenthi lover, Casian, who's everything Sylas is not – he's scheming, manipulative and horribly ambitious, and his fixation on Sylas makes me genuinely worried for Sylas's future. Casian will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it results in wholesale destruction ... but I won't say more for fear of spoilers.
My friend Masha turned me onto Smyth's writing, and I'm glad I followed her recommendation, because I'm making book two my immediate next read, especially since I need something a little lighter after having finally finished Robin Hobb's Farseer books. Okay, I lie, Crowchanger is pretty heavy in parts, but the writing isn't as dense as I'm used to, which is perfect. It's populated with memorable characters and a world that is vastly different from the standard Eurocentric fare out there (thank goodness). I can't quite peg all the cultural influences, but I like the idea that the magic of this world ties in with the eruptions of a volcano, and that some humans are able to communicate with bird spirits that enable them to shift into various types.
While the writing is generally solid, Smyth does, in some parts, have a tendency to write a bit fast and shallow, especially at some parts where I felt she could have dug a little deeper to give better layering. But this was not a deal-breaker for me (hence the fact that I'm going to read the rest of the series and those who know me well understand how horribly picky I am).
I agree with Masha that in tone, Smyth's style is very close to Anne McCaffrey's, so if you liked all the Pern books, you'll be right at home with Smyth. She's made me care intensely about her characters and has given me a glimpse into a fascinating world that I'd like to revisit, and that says something.
January 4, 2020
This is a tough book go review.
The world building is interesting, and I want to see where the author goes with it.
As I am supposed to, I love Sylas. I adore Jaevan. I am disgusted by Casian. I am revolted by Deygan.
However, everyone feels one dimensional. I don't feel any growth in the characters (except maybe Casian growing worse?).
I loved the flow of the writing of this book, and I have very high hopes as I move into further books. Perhaps book 1 is mode like "Part One" and is just an intro to their full personalities.
The world building is interesting, and I want to see where the author goes with it.
As I am supposed to, I love Sylas. I adore Jaevan. I am disgusted by Casian. I am revolted by Deygan.
However, everyone feels one dimensional. I don't feel any growth in the characters (except maybe Casian growing worse?).
I loved the flow of the writing of this book, and I have very high hopes as I move into further books. Perhaps book 1 is mode like "Part One" and is just an intro to their full personalities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2023
I never buy books through my kindle app. I did, when I finished this one. I can't wait to see what's next!
If you want to go to a world far far away, have a lot of action, emotion, color and everything else you could possibly ask of a book, read this.
If you want to go to a world far far away, have a lot of action, emotion, color and everything else you could possibly ask of a book, read this.
January 19, 2016
For the usual suspects - this is not m/m romance. It is a gay-themed fantasy book. There is sort-of-ish a gay love story in there but the sex is strictly fade-to-black and it is not a stand-alone book. Technically speaking the ending is a cliff-hanger, though somebody with more willpower might not have gotten book two but I had to. So be warned.
Having said that - this is a pretty good book. It starts out a bit on the slow side and it's quite long but once it builds up steam it really gets quite decent. The world building is really good - different layers of society, different belief systems and the story takes place on the threshold of a major upset in how this society works which is pretty much a perfect way to pave the road for the unfolding adventures.
The plot has layers but not so many that it gets cumbersome. Just enough to keep it interesting.
There is a well-drawn villain in there which is always a big plus in my world and the "hero" is a far cry from perfect.
And even though are intrigues and plans within plans, the people in the book still feel like people. So, yes, I'm not head over heels in love with the book but it's still one heck of a read.
Having said that - this is a pretty good book. It starts out a bit on the slow side and it's quite long but once it builds up steam it really gets quite decent. The world building is really good - different layers of society, different belief systems and the story takes place on the threshold of a major upset in how this society works which is pretty much a perfect way to pave the road for the unfolding adventures.
The plot has layers but not so many that it gets cumbersome. Just enough to keep it interesting.
There is a well-drawn villain in there which is always a big plus in my world and the "hero" is a far cry from perfect.
And even though are intrigues and plans within plans, the people in the book still feel like people. So, yes, I'm not head over heels in love with the book but it's still one heck of a read.
March 10, 2014
Just finished reading this. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
It reminded me quite a lot of my favourite Anne McCaffrey books - (Dragon Song, Dragon Singer) -- although there are no telepathic dragons :) It's easy to care about the hero - a sensitive, thoughtful young man, not your usual whiny, foolish fiction-teenager.
The villains are satisfying too - cruel and devious - but you get to know them from the inside, to understand what makes them tick.
It's a good deal grittier than any of the McCaffrey books though, and it's one of those in which you simply can't relax in the knowledge that your favourite characters are safe. They certainly are not!
I also appreciate that it dealt with some difficult topics like homosexuality, racism, and sexism. Not at all preachy though. Just dealing with serious issues head-on.
And there's apparently a sequel coming out soon too :)
It reminded me quite a lot of my favourite Anne McCaffrey books - (Dragon Song, Dragon Singer) -- although there are no telepathic dragons :) It's easy to care about the hero - a sensitive, thoughtful young man, not your usual whiny, foolish fiction-teenager.
The villains are satisfying too - cruel and devious - but you get to know them from the inside, to understand what makes them tick.
It's a good deal grittier than any of the McCaffrey books though, and it's one of those in which you simply can't relax in the knowledge that your favourite characters are safe. They certainly are not!
I also appreciate that it dealt with some difficult topics like homosexuality, racism, and sexism. Not at all preachy though. Just dealing with serious issues head-on.
And there's apparently a sequel coming out soon too :)
May 13, 2014
Wonderful treat of a book, set in a diverse and rich world.
When I started reading Crowchanger I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd stumbled upon A.C Smyth's website and wanted to find out more. I decided to take a risk and buy her first book. What a treat.
Well written, balanced plot with rounded believable characters. I was kept guessing till the end and loved the fact that none of the characters are black and white. They all have their strengths and faults.
Her descriptions of the Island of Chandris were superb, especially the bits in the desert.
The world of Chandris stayed with me after finishing the book and that is always a good thing.
When I started reading Crowchanger I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd stumbled upon A.C Smyth's website and wanted to find out more. I decided to take a risk and buy her first book. What a treat.
Well written, balanced plot with rounded believable characters. I was kept guessing till the end and loved the fact that none of the characters are black and white. They all have their strengths and faults.
Her descriptions of the Island of Chandris were superb, especially the bits in the desert.
The world of Chandris stayed with me after finishing the book and that is always a good thing.
December 18, 2018
A.C. Smyth has a deceptively quiet writing style that I love. When I first started the book, it seemed a little slow paced and then it kept building and building and building. This is not a romance; its a very well written fantasy with one of the most evil characters I've ever read. Even worse, he doesn't see his own evil but his actions have results that are utterly devastating.
This is the first book of a series and ends in what can either be called a cliffhanger or a pause in action, ready to go to the next step in the next book. Frankly, if I didn't already have the next 2 books I'd label it as a cliffhanger and damn instead of praise.
This is the first book of a series and ends in what can either be called a cliffhanger or a pause in action, ready to go to the next step in the next book. Frankly, if I didn't already have the next 2 books I'd label it as a cliffhanger and damn instead of praise.
May 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It has an interesting world that isn't too difficult to understand, and wonderful characters who stayed on my mind for days and days. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one.
One of the things I particularly like is that although it is fantasy there is almost a flavor of historical fiction to it. Plus, I really love crows :)
One of the things I particularly like is that although it is fantasy there is almost a flavor of historical fiction to it. Plus, I really love crows :)
January 21, 2016
Great!
Really enjoyed the world building and politics. And I liked the characters except Sylas is a bit too naive for my liking and I want to punch Casian. Forever. I don't mind some antagonistic characters, but the dude is completely irredeemable in my eyes and I hope he dies painfully.
Really enjoyed the world building and politics. And I liked the characters except Sylas is a bit too naive for my liking and I want to punch Casian. Forever. I don't mind some antagonistic characters, but the dude is completely irredeemable in my eyes and I hope he dies painfully.
January 2, 2014
Wonderfully written, this book takes you on a journey. The characters are so well developed that you feel like you know them personally.
A fan of sci-fi on the big and small screen, I'd never actually read a sci-fi book before this. After reading Crowchanger, I could definitely see the appeal.
A fan of sci-fi on the big and small screen, I'd never actually read a sci-fi book before this. After reading Crowchanger, I could definitely see the appeal.
January 29, 2014
I have some memory problems, so the beginning was hard for me because so many characters were introduced. Once I got past that, I was hooked. The MC really drew me in with all the emotional directions he was being pulled. The writing is clean and crisp which made for an enjoyable read.
April 23, 2015
Not what I was expexting
I'm not a fantasy person per say but this book was amazing. From the first chapter I was hooked. The characters are very vivid, the drama and angst from the plot riveting. Look forward to the follow up book.
I'm not a fantasy person per say but this book was amazing. From the first chapter I was hooked. The characters are very vivid, the drama and angst from the plot riveting. Look forward to the follow up book.
Want to read
May 30, 2015kindle
August 31, 2015
So, I know I rated it only two stars, but I think I'll go ahead and read another of the series before I write it off completely.
Read
March 20, 2018Did not finish
Interesting, but very long and slow going and I couldn't stay focused. Kept trying to go back to it but I've abandoned it for now.
Interesting, but very long and slow going and I couldn't stay focused. Kept trying to go back to it but I've abandoned it for now.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews