The Shape-Changer’s Wife

The Shape-Changer’s Wife (1995) Sharon Shinn

Everything I’ve ready by Sharon Shinn I have really liked, so when I saw The Shape-Changer’s Wife in a used bookstore, I picked it up.

Then I left it on the bookshelf in one of those weird fits I go through, of worrying that a book–especially an earlier book–by an author I like won’t be as good as I’m hoping.

Now I do have to say that being an earlier book, this did have some flaws. However, the strengths that I like so much about Sharon Shinn’s writing are clearly evident in The Shape-Changer’s Wife. The characters are strong and unique individuals, the dialog is good, and the story is both original and fascinating.

Aubrey is a student magician who has learned all his current master, Cyril, has to teach him, and wants next to learn the art of shape-changing. Cyril refuses to teach him shape-changing, but refers him to another magician, the powerful Glyrenden, who is a master of the art of shape-changing. Although Glyrenden is somewhat of a recluse, he agrees to take Aubrey has his student. However, when Aubrey arrives at Glyrenden’s castle, he discovers that his new master has taken a beautiful wife, and also has two very strange servants.

There were, in my opinion, two weaknesses of the book. The first was that the relationship that developed between Aubrey and Lilith was pretty obvious. Although I have to say, how that relationship developed was not obvious, and was very well done.

The other weakness was the epilogue, which felt as if it was tacked on under the orders of an editor who felt it would make the story more consumer friendly. Personally, I recommend skipping the Epilogue, and leaving the ending as it was, since I found the ending to be very satisfying as it was.

Other than those two small faults, the story was very enjoyable. Because it’s a short book, it made a good travel book, as it slipped easily in my pocket, and because the story was somewhat winding, it was good for reading in short chunks. (Although just past halfway through I ended up reading the remainder in one stretch.

Plus, I really liked the cover. Since I often complain about covers (and fantasy books have some that are pretty horrific) I like to take note when I find one I think is particularly well done.

Although this is a relatively short story (only 200 pages) if you are a fan of Sharon Shinn’s writing, this is a story you won’t want to miss. If you have not read her writing before, I would recommend this as a good place to start, as the story is very solid and well-done, and had really only two faults, both of which may be more personal peeves than faults. But the story more than makes up for it. So if you come across The Shape-Changer’s Wife in a used book store (since it seems to be currently out of print) make sure you pick it up.
Rating: 8/10

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