Shapechanger is the first book in an octology (how many times does a reviewer get to say "octology"? Not often enough, which is a shame as it's an awesome word). I bought the whole series for 35% at one of the few remaining Borders near work, and having now read this first book, I can say that I would have paid full price for the whole series. It's that good.

Book Title: Shapechanger
Book Author: Jennifer Roberson
Book Publisher: DAW
Release Date: March 6, 2001 (Referencing the two-book combo)
Retail Price: $8.99 (Referencing the two-book combo)
Buy it at: Various Outlets (Linking to the two-book combo)

Shapechanger sets the proverbial stage for a war between three races (so far): the Homana, who currently rule by monarchy while exterminating any Cheysuli they can find. Never mind that the Cheysuli aren't demons, and they aren't trying to tear apart the monarchy. Meanwhile, the Ilhini are demons, or at least have less scruples than the other races and utilize their magic for death and destruction, mainly of Homana.

In steps Alix to save the day. And by save the day, I mean carve a path of sheer stubbornness that no man, creature, demon, or god seems to be able to get in the way of. Doesn't matter if there's an entire race set against her doing something, she'll take her chances.

I did my best to go into this series relatively blind. I knew it had shape-shifters, political intrigues, and a shiny cover (yes, covers do matter to me, but so does the story). I have no idea what'll happen in the next seven books, but considering how this one ended off, I can imagine that there will be more wars, more close calls, and inevitably deaths and births.

Hopefully, everything turns out according to prophecy. The Cheysuli prophecy, that is. The Ilhini prophecy is still relatively unknown, but it seems to be general chaos, doom, and destruction as far as I can tell.

I will admit to peeking at the sequel to this book, The Song of Homana, which looks to be in a different POV. Now, the swapping POVs are what made me give up entirely on Game of Thrones last month. But switching POV between books I can live with. It's when you do it every damned chapter that my brain just can't deal with it. So kudos to Jennifer Roberson for pacing the POVs better.

It may be a bit of a stretch for some readers, but I equate this series (so far) to a mix between David Edding's Belgeraid/Mallorean series in scope of character development/realizations about birthrights/powers, and on the other end of the spectrum what little I managed of Game of Thrones, with multiple sides, POVs, and what looks to be time skips along the way. If you enjoy or appreciate either writer/series, then Jennifer Roberson's series looks to be worth checking out. Especially now that they've been semi-combined into two book compendiums.