Rene Korda is a renowned and retired designer of pocket universes. One day he gets a call from the regional representative that two pocket universes (not of his own design) have been put into stasis (their time has been turned off) and they want him to investigate. He reluctantly agrees to do it just because he's curious.

The pocket universes are very different, one a desert world based on the tales of the Arabian Knights, the other a total war zone. There is only one thing these worlds have in common and Korda has to find out why someone would put them into stasis.

With his nearly limitless supply of "bottled time" and the help of "Jester," his ship's artificial intelligence (usually in the form of a remote hover-bot called a PDA or her on-ship hologram), he must avoid the hazards of a universe in stasis: giant spiders, ever-hungry ketter beasts, a giant brain that can kill, and much more!

The mystery unravels slowly as he works toward returning the two pocket universes to normal time. In the process, he finds a deeper evil that has been cleverly hidden for decades.

The novel is adapted from the hit CD-ROM game of the same name. The game is fun and challenging while showing the true style and personality of the late Roger Zelazny, the greatest science-fiction novelist of the twentieth century.
There are numerous differences between the novel and the game, but the plot is essentially the same and both are refreshing and fun.

If you don't have either the book or the game, get them both now!

If you have played the game u have probably been lost in several occasions. With this guide to the game you can see who is behind the pausing of the pocket universes. This game has many puzzles and unique gameplay and it could be challenging without this guide. If you have the game and decide that you dont know how to get around, buy this Book!!

This may not have been Jane Lindskolds best book, but I still loved reading it. The best aspect of this novel was that she didn't let anything get to obvious. Through the entire book there was a sense that things might not be as they seem, or that the "good guys" might fail. The supspense made it hard to put down. The only real downside was that some of the characters were not gone into as much as I would have liked. She almost seems to tease with characters that are fascinating, then they are gone before you manage to really figure them out. A deffinete worthy addition to any library though.

This book strikes me as being Science Fiction. Smokey, a legal whore on the planet Arizona (aptly named), is a slight telepathic. (She has to touch to read minds, and then it's only what they are conciously thinking.) She uses her job as a prostitute to touch men, and uses telepathy to be a spy. But when she finds an alien mind in one of her clients, she is suddenly being framed for a growing number of murders. She is rescued by her parents, also psi, and is taken to the Psi Underground, where they battle these mysterious alien invaders. I have seen no other book like this. It's good.

Having enjoyed some recent reading of urban fantasy, I eagerly anticipated reading Changer. However, Lindskold doesn't have the flare of the other authors I'd read. Her story was plodding and despite an interesting take on the myths we all know (most mythical beings did exist and were often playing similar parts in various stories) she was never able to develop it into a compelling plot. Her characters talk a bit more sophisticated than the Superfriends. There's no mystery as to who the villains are nor their "plot to take over the world". And the work drags far too long (although it'd be better if it didn't drag at all). I'd recommend either "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman or "Somplace to Be Flying" by Charles De Lint. Both cover similar material and do a far better job of it.

Before, I thought urban fantasy as something only pimply Dungeon&Dragons fans could love. I couldn't have been more wrong! Out of desperate need for reading material, I took this book, and its sequal, Legends Walking, off the shelf in a bookstore, somewhat dubious as to their potential. I curled up with Changer, after a brief moment of confusion where I wasn't sure which book came first, and I expected to lose interest within ten minutes. HARDLY!!! For the next few hours I couldn't put it down as I came to love all of the characters (except for the Head and that Sasquatch lady, who grated on my last nerve). The plot developes quickly, the characters are brought to life so artistically that you feel like you really know them, and the conflict is such that you're actually in agony wondering if the book will end well. At first it was hard to get used to the way the author wrote in the present tense, but I started to enjoy the unique style of it. As soon as I finished Changer, I loaned it to my uncle, and told him he HAD to read it, and then I breathlessly picked up the sequel, which I loved just as much. You can't go wrong with these books!

I first encountered Ms Jane Lindskold in a short story included in Worlds of Honor, by David Weber, and was impressed enough to purchase Changer. This work I would classify as fantasy as there is very little hard science in it. This is NOT a liability, even though I normally prefer hard SF. I would certainly class this tale with any that Larry Niven has done with his fantasy magic series. I classify Niven as one of the current masters - his predecessors no longer living or writing - just kidding Larry.

I normally do not give authors 5 stars, but in this case I could not find anything wrong. The characters are well established, consistent, interesting, and the tale moves seamlessly.

The story introduces us to the Athanor, an immortal species co-existing with us in contemporary time. The central figure, "The Changer" gives us an interesting character, whose value system is quite unique. Being a shapeshifter who prefers animal shapes and there relationships, causes friction with normal human values and relationships (sorry folks this is as close to one of the plot lines you will get from me).

The premise of the story is intriguing and the flow of story lines and characters kept me turning the pages (I polished off the 499 pages in a weekend - I was hooked).

Being older than dirt (according to the grand children) and apparently outliving the Science Fiction masters of my age, I am continually searching for good authors who will be replacing them. I feel extremely fortunate in finding Ms Lindskold and being able to add her to my list. I look forward to more of her work (maybe some hard SF?). This tale needs to be read as well as this author.

Legends Walking, is the second in this world of Athanor (following Changer), which is placed in contemporary times with the addition of an immortal species co-existing with us. In this tale we discover some new characters, and get to know some of the previous character in more detail.

Ms Lindskold's characterization is superb. They have a sense of humor and different personalities which, as one might suspect, sometimes conflict with each other (some don't even like each other and they are on the same side). This makes for a very pleasant and believable read. The plot moves very well and I found myself consuming the 400 + pages without knowing it.

I liked this sequel most because it focused on a different set of characters in solving the plot crisis, so we get to see these characters using their unique skills. Jane is very consistent in both plot and characters, so we are NOT treated to discontinuities in characters to conveniently get out of a bad scene. She also has the ability to describe scenes without bludgeoning us to death with detail, which is very refreshing.

I must say I dislike giving maximum ratings, just in case the author does better. In this case as in the first tale, Changer, I feel the author deserves a "Bravo" well done, and if she does better, I will just have to deal with it.

So, in case you missed my point, I like this author and this tale and believe both needs to be read and enjoyed (if not, no offense is meant by stating the obvious).

Jane Lindskold once again has written a wonderfully fascinating and complex novel. Many different story lines and characters blend to make both "Legends Walking" and "Changer" surprising books. I could hardly put this book down, although I had to in order to process the ideas and plot twists. Both come at a quick pace throughout the story. I loved getting new looks at old characters, and some development of interesting secondary characters from "Changer," as well as the introduction of new friends. The idea of elemental athanor seems wondrous and fun.

Biological warfare offers such an ugly, inhumane choice to dictators around the world. I think Lindskold looks into the horrors of plague without preaching about it. This book presents a look at some serious subjects, like biological warfare, AIDS in Africa, and the development of third world countries. Lindskold doesn't give easy or trite answers, but in twisting our everyday world just a bit, she does shed some light on the subjects.

I would recommend this book to anyone! It's fun, thoughtful, fun and well written.

I don't like fantasy novels. I have read far too many verbose tale of elves struggling to recover some musty old talisman. Pretty much swore off the whole genre. That was before I read the Athanor books. Instead of mystical ancient kingdoms we have New Mexico and Nigeria. Instead of a hokey sword wielding hero(ine) and their trusty sidekicks we have an astounding cast of characters ranging from computer-literate sasquatches to immortal farm animals. How refreshing! Ms Lindskold has developed a wonderful idea for a series. In each of the two books so far she has focused on different members of the Athanor community, at this rate it will be a long time before she runs out of fresh ideas. This is one fantasy series where I can't wait to see the next installment.

This book is wonderfully written and it involves the reader in the life of the main character, I dropped everything else I was doing and started reading it immediately, and finished it the next morning when I couldn't keep my eyes open and had to go to sleep. The themes are interesting and novel and for once a story about someone who is is not mentally stable is told in a way that makes the rest of the world seem disturbed. If you're a fantasy fan or a fan of excellent writing, I definitely recommend reading this novel

Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls is the first novel by the author. It is the story of Sarah, a nearly thirty year old resident of the Home. She is autistic but is able to communicate somewhat by repeating more or less appropriate quotes from literature. She has a two-headed stuffed dragon figure and a mechanical owl that can fly.

Sarah has a special talent which she hides from most people: she can talk with inanimate objects such as her dragon and owl. She can find out the combination for a door alarm just by asking and hidden objects announce their presence to her. However, she has difficulties telling such information even to her friends and has no desire to communicate with anyone else.

When budgets are cut, Sarah is released from the Home and faces an uncertain future. She wanders the streets, cold and hungry, and finally huddles in a doorway and sleeps. Sarah is found by Abalone, a shirtless young girl with a wolfhead tattoo between her breasts, who questions her and then takes her to the Jungle. In this cylindrical tank-like structure are the Pack, children of various ages, camped on catwalks, ledges, and the floor. The Head Wolf rules within the Jungle according to the Law of the Pack.

After the Head Wolf accepts Sarah into the Pack, she is put in the charge of Abalone. She is taught the customs of the Jungle and shown how to steal cars. Shortly thereafter, Professor Isabella Lacey joins the Pack. A former staff member at the Ivy Green Institute while Sarah was there, the Professor had read countless lines of literature to her, from which Sarah now drew her quotes.

When Sarah and the Professor hear that two of the former residents of the Home have been brought back, Abalone breaks into the Home computer and discovers that a readmit order has been issued on Sarah. Later, searchers from the Home raid the Jungle looking for her.

This novel was greatly influenced by the Mowgli story in the Jungle Book. However, the tale revolves mostly around her autism and talents. Despite her serious handicap, Sarah herself is a bright and cheerful person and her friends are loyal and brave.

Highly recommended for Lindskold fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of suspense, adventure and character in a SF setting.

This book was so truly unique and imaginative! I was riveted. Jane Lindskold created a multi-dimensional universe. I was fascinated by the elements of animation she brought to the various characters... stuffed animals, even walls. I even really loved the illustration on the cover. I would recommend this book most highly to someone seeking the unusual

I eagerly await each Jane Lindskold novel. "When the Gods are Silent" was well-written with strong, unique characters. This book started out very well--the mystery surrounding the woman warrior Rabble's origins was intriguing--but the story seemed to fall into predictability about two-thirds of the way along and then rushed to an unsatisfying ending.

Lindskold is good writer. "Brothers to Dragons, Companions to Owls" is a delightful book, finely crafted and highly original. "When the Gods Are Silent" had a flavor of a book hurried into existence in order to publish. I'd like to see Lindskold take a deep breath, relax, and not rush her muse.

I first discovered Jane Lindskold when I read Changer and have since read all of her books currently available. Most recently I read When The Gods Were Silent and now believe that this is her best book. Her ability to create Rabble as a true and beleivable character and then turn her into a diety/tool is most believable. I especially enjoyed her portrayal of men and women as equal and bad men as corrupt without the need to corrupt women to justify it. Rabble is a most unique warrior and Byrax is her equal. I look forward to more from this very talented writer.

Many years have passed since Prince Bardon and his followers journeyed from the relative safety of Hawk Haven to establish a colony. The group traveled to the wilderness beyond the nearby mountains. However, no one ever heard from the Prince again.

In the present, controversy over regal succession rules so Earl Kestrel leads an expedition to find the Prince or learn what happened to him. The search excursion fails to find the Prince, but a teenage woman calling herself Firekeeper enters their camp carrying Bardon's dagger. The Earl realizes she is most likely the Prince's daughter and places her under his protection. Apparently, Firekeeper, now called Lady Blysse by her fellow humans, lived with a special breed of wolves. On the trek back, a distinguished falcon and one of the intelligent wolves accompany Blysse to her new home. In the human royal court, everyone competes to gain Blysse's favor with most thinking she is an ignorant primitive. Her time with the wolves trained her quite well for dealing with a pack of nobles, but her preference remains turning into a real wolf.

THROUGH WOLF'S EYES is a powerful gender bending Jungle Book that works because the kingdom, the magically embellished animals, the nobles, and the heroine feel real. The charcaters make the plot seem plausible. On top of a strong fantasy adventure, readers gain a political infighting subplot that anchors the prime theme to a reality base. The weakness of Jane Lindskold's fascinating novel is that this almost six hundred page complex story line compels the reader into one finishing it in one sitting.

Harriet Klausner

Through Wolf's Eyes is probably the most exciting fantasy I've ever read. King Tedric of Hawk Haven had disowned his son Prince Barden twelve years ago. Defying his father Prince Barden and a group of settlers set off into the wilds of a never before explored place. Contact had been lost between the settlers soon thereafter. Later, with all of his children and grandchildren dead, King Tedric must name an heir to the throne of Hawk Haven. Earl Kestrel, eager to get something out of the situation himself, sets out to find out what happened to Prince Barden. His search leads him to the ruins of a settlement where Barden and his group obviously died in a tragic fire. Then one night, a strange girl wanders in to the Earl's camp. At her waist hangs Barden's dagger. Raised by wolves, this young woman has lost all knowledge of speech and human ways. Since she is the right age to be Barden's daughter, Earl Kestrel names her Lady Blysse. Called by the wolves Firekeeper, she soon learns human speech enough to communicate with them. Derian, the young man that Firekeeper trusts more than others, is given the duty of teaching her human ways. Most of the nobles in court are against her, seeing her as a threat to their claims to the throne. In this intriguing fantasy, Firekeeper must learn to adapt to human ways while wishing she could become a wolf in body as well as in heart.

"Through Wolf's Eyes" is just a wonderfully fun and imaginative read. After losing her parents in a fire at the edge of the kingdom, Firekeeper was adopted by a pack of Royal Wolf's. These 'Royal' Wolf's are a special breed of animal that are bigger, stronger, and smarter than other wolf's. In fact, the forest where Firekeeper was raised is full of such unique breeds of animal that are both animal and more.

After 10 years of living with the Wolf's a 'relative' comes looking for possible heirs to a kingdom. Firekeeper, who thinks of herself as a two-legged wolf agrees to go along with these other two legers to find out more about herself.

Overall, this was such a fun read; I finished it in a single gulp. Very greedy of me I know, but this book almost immediately took hold of my imagination. I especially look forward to seeing what will happen to 'Blind Seer', Firekeeper's pack mate. Firekeeper has learned that there is the possibility that that humans can be made into beasts; will she find someone who can effect the change and become Wolf in truth or will she come to enjoy being human enough to want to retain her shape and will a pack mate, such as 'Blind Seer' be turned human?
I can't wait to find out.

Donnerjack is best described as a crying shame-first because I was practically crying reading the beginning third of the book that was so obviously Zelazny-fast, witty, engaging, unique-full of weird characters and a new computer type of mythology which is so Zelazny-ish! It was great to be reading Zelazny again years after he had died! The shame part of the book is after the first third (ended as part one) we enter part two which is obviously not Zelazny! Wordy to the extreme-boring, stupid, stupid humor (if I read "he or she or it CHUCKLED one more time I was gonna scream!) and chocked full of explanations which is one thing Roger once stated in an interview--He hated explanations!!! No wonder the book took so long to come out--it took Jane years to write the next 400 pages! As another reviewer pointed out, read the first third of the book and then stop, you'll be glad you did--Or else do as I do and read it with a handy magic-marker, its great for blacking out all the unnecessary wordiness!

Zelazny's Donnerjack is maybe one of the most complex books he wrote in his awesome carreer. Again he mixes fantasy and SF in a way only he seemed able to do. But this is a book you can read and think in many levels, enjoy only the story (a good one,as always), or the concepts and ideas behind it, too. You can think it as a cyberpunk adventure, or you can go deeper into the philosophycal and religious stuff that are present in the whole story. It's interesting to think that a book he wrote just before his death is a novel about a man and his son fighting Death himself. If you think this way, maybe Donnerjack is Zelazny's homage to himself, and a farewell legacy with his view of the world. Here he can explain the roles of technology, fantasy, religion and mythology in his own life. You can read Donnerjack and compare it with some other books such as Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land and Huxley's Brave New World, which deals with the same questions. Donnerjack isn't a! book easy to read and understand, and I don't recommend it for beginners in Zelazny's or science fiction books. But I recommend it strongly for those who already love this kind of literature. Anyway, have a good reading. You are all welcome to tell me your opinions about the book after you have read it.

In reading Donnerjack, I came upon feelings that flip-flopped and changed back and forth. Some parts were unbearably awkward, lame, and badly written, totally un-Zelazny and just plain unappealing. Then there were some parts that seemed to just flow by because they were so exciting. I know that a lot of readers have commented that Zelazny only wrote the first part, but I don't think that's true. Zelazny has a certain bold flair in his writing most of the time, as if he's utterly confident that what's he's writing won't be termed as lame or otherwise. There were certain sections in the second part of Donnerjack that I know weren't just Jane Lindskold, because Zelazny's style was so clearly stamped upon them. Although it's also true that Lindskold dominates much of the second half of the book, and her long and winding style is pretty apparent for any reader to see. I would recommend Donnerjack to only long-time Zelazny readers, or at least people who have read other Zelazny works, because this piece is definitely not his best one, and it is just so LONG and winding at times.