I read this before the rest of the series. Easy to pick up. ( )

This was under the title "Changeling Earth" when I bought it, many years ago - back when cover prices were much lower so I was able to buy the whole trilogy. A superbly imagined work from start to finish of the trilogy. ( )

In the final book of the Empire of the East trilogy, the Emperor decides it is time to rid himself of Ardneh and his followers of the West. Because no one in the East can determine what Ardneh is, he is not a demon, elemental, or man, this goal proves tricky. Meanwhile, still communicating through Rolf, Ardneh sends a small group to bring him a mystic jewel. When Rolf finds Ardneh, he learns of the Change through which Ardneh forced technology to be replaced by magic in this alternate Earth of a far distant future. During the climatic ending, Ardneh reverses the Change, thus setting the stage for the Book of Swords trilogy and Books of Lost Swords series. Saberhagen has created a very intriguing universe in which magic has replaced technology. The fast paced action draws the reader onward while further details of the characters are revealed. Through Ardneh, Saberhagen poses thought provoking questions about theology, technology, and humanity. Changeling Earth answers many of the questions generated by the first two books of the trilogy, while developing a new universe where both magic and technology coexist for the reader to explore.

Changeling Earth.doc ( )