Changing Vision

Changing Vision (2000) is the second SF novel in the Web Shifters series, following Beholder's Eye. In the previous volume, the Web of Ersh has been destroyed and Esen-alit-Quar has baited and terminated Death. Acting Captain Kearn thinks Paul Ragem is dead, but still searches for the Esen Monster. However, Esen has relocated to Minas XII in the Fringe and, to her surprise, is soon followed by Paul. The Garson's World survivors led by Joel Largas have also settled on Minas XII. In this novel, fifty years have passed since these events. Paul has become Web-kin to Esen and they are now using the names Paul Cameron and Esolesy Ki. They have started a small business, Cameron & Ki Exports, on Minas XII and have close business and personal ties with Largas Freight. Their company is having a small party for employees and business associates, and a few of Meony-ro's friends, to celebrate their fiftieth anniversity. They are called out of the party to attend to a dying Ganthor mercenary whose Herd has been abandoned by their employer; Esen shifts to her Ganthor form and convinces the Ganthor to join their small Herd, thereby easing his dying. Later that evening, the staff surprises Esen with a gift: tickets to the Panacia Hiveworld, D'Dsel. Since Esen hasn't gone offworld since her arrival, Paul thinks a vacation will be good for her, but Esen hates surprises and doesn't want to go. After returning home, they exchange gifts: Esen gives Paul a medallion with the company logo containing a small piece of Web-form in cyro storage and Paul gives her a holoshow containing vids of 110 different humans. The next morning, they meet with Captain Janet Chase, who is chasing Paul, to learn about the boarding of her ship by Tly inspectors and the confiscation of her cargo. Paul also asks about the contents of the courier pouch, which the Tly have taken, but only after Chase had transferred the contents to another case, which she gives to Paul. Chase also has news of a new sentient species, the Feneden, which have come to D'Dsel to negotiate a trade agreement. Esen does not like Chase, who has tried to break up the Cameron & Ki partnership, but is pointly polite in the meeting until Chase tries to kiss Paul, whereupon one of Esen's large Lishcyn feet strikes a table leg and spills hot pyati with cream all over Paul and Chase. Esen flees this fiasco to their private greenhouse over the warehouse. While sulking there, Joel Largas arrives to putter around with the plants and gives Esen a figurative shoulder to cry on and some paternal advice. He also spoils Paul's surprise: they are leaving for D'Dsel that night on the Galactic Goddess. Esen hates surprises ... and the stupid hat that everyone on the tour has to wear. Nevertheless, they are off to Panacia and Esen hopes that they will meet the Feneden, for she hasn't encountered an unknown sentient species in seventy-four standard years. As usual, things don't work out quite as simply as Ese

As with "Beholder's Eye," in "Changing Vision" Czerneda creates and describes beautifully detailed alien biologies, cultures, and languages (the Ganthor and Ket species remain my personal favorites). It was a stroke of genius to create Esen, a shape-shifter WITH LIMITS. Every time Esen becomes Human, for example, she becomes the SAME Human, and will retain any scars incurred while in that form. In addition, she must consume living mass in order to shift from shape to shape. Without these limitations, she would be too powerful to be an interesting character, and would be able to shape-shift into a table or a vase, like Odo on "Deep Space Nine", which is a little too silly to be believeable.Plotwise, this book became slightly confusing at the end, with crosses and double-crosses and triple-crosses. At first I wasn't sure whether or not to be pleased about Paul's resolution, but it has been growing on me since I finished the book and have given it more thought. There is also a nice cliffhanger teaser that doesn't make the reader feel cheated -- "Changing Vision" is still a complete story within itself.

Man o man Czerneda keeps getting better and better. This story is everything a person could want in a sequel and more. There's more mystery, drama, even more humor! The story started a bit slow if your a new reader but Czerneda explained everything without being too boring and when the story heated up, boy did it ever. I just can't wait for the sequel!! Gimme more!

Fifty years after Beholder's Eye, Esen and Paul are still as fun and engaging as they were. You rediscover them as old friends only left the day before. Not only does the last Czerneda's book have enough action and plot surprise to keep the pages turning till the last one, but also great, thoughtfull characterization. You travel to faraway places, and you care deeply, at the same time, for all that you meet, old and new... And once the book is put down, some of it stays behind. A most enjoyable read, and reread.

I must start out by saying that if you haven't read the first book of this series, entitled "Beholder's Eye" then you should do so now. This is a wonderful book series by a very talented author. "Changing Vision" continues the story of Esen-Alit-Quar as she tries to adapt to her life among humans and other aliens. At her side is her human friend Paul Ragem. Together, the two try to establish a life for themselves...one that will keep Esen's true identity a secret. Unfortunately for Esen, there are those that still hunt for her and her kind--and one of those is none other than the very determined Lionel Kearn. By the end of the story, it is hard to determine who has learned more about themselves and those around them--Esen, or her assorted enemies.It is an understatement to say that the story is full of surprises and plot twists. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and one that I recommend highly. Ms. Czerneda writes the most delightful characters in print today. Humor, wit, and adventure abound throughout each of her books. Don't stop until you've read all her works, including "A Thousand Words for Stranger" and "Ties of Power." She is a gem of a writer and I hope to enjoy her writing for years to come.