This is a fantasy novel based on a premise that ancient gods, legendary heroes and other mythological personages were actual immortal beings who move from place to place and give rise to legends wherever they appear. Some of them can change their shapes (as the title character), and some actually prefer to live quietly (again as the title character), an option that has become practically mandatory now that people have become less accepting of beings with wide-reaching abilities whom they can’t control. And not all immortals are happy with the change, naturally enough. So the novel opens. Throw into the mix a number of sasquatches, satyrs and other mythological beings who can’t even hope to pass for humble citizens, and you get a novel with no easy solutions – not to mention a collection of interesting and surprisingly realistic individuals.
This novel has a sequel titled Legends Walking, which I personally didn’t enjoy as much, partly because it’s full of brutality of the worst kind and partly because, while Changer has many immortal characters solving their problems while living mostly in the stable North America, the sequel features three immortals helping Nigerian locals in their struggle against an oppressive would be dictator. ( )

I loved this book. This book was so enjoyable to me. Everytime I hear that Jane is writing a new book, I always hope she is returning to write more books about the Athanor. This book is one of my favorite books that I have read multiple times. For anyone who enjoys modern tales of the fantastic this is a must read and if you collect books, addition to your collection. ( )

This is a wonderfully imagined book. The gods, kings of legend, heroes of legend, live among us. The figures of myth, nymphs, satyrs, mermaids, selkies...actually exist.
A superb read for those adults who grew up in Narnia, in Greek mythology, and who, in some little corner of their hearts, still beleive. This is a story that is well-thought out, even with all the twists and turns and deviousness worthy of Loki. I highly reccomend this. ( )

Excellent story. The characters are at the same time fantastic and believable. Certainly one of the best attempts at placing fantasy themes into a modern day recognizable world I have read. Also contains one of the most horrifying and yet compelling torture scenes I have read. Defiantly a "Cant put it Down" read. ( )

I really enjoyed this book, and I've gone back and read it again because it was so delightful! The thing is, it's not the main story that interested me so much. It was the identities of the immortals. Especially the appearance of St. Francis... my favorite Saint. ( )