A. C. Smyth

Crowchanger: a Changers of Chandris Novel (Volume 1) A. C. Smyth 1st edition

For centuries, the conquering Irenthi have ruled Chandris?the island where a race of shape-changers draw on a mountain?s energy to enable their abilities. Sylas belongs to the oppressed Chesammos race, destined to a life of poverty in Chandris's ash desert. But he has one way out; he can shape-change. Or at least, he shows the signs. After a year of studying, changing still eludes him, and his masters grow frustrated at his lack of progress. On the brink of being sent back to digging for gems in the volcanic vents of the ash desert, the changers? most notable healer offers him an apprenticeship. He can?t miss this opportunity, though it means leaving his ambitious and possessive lover behind. But trouble is brewing. Sylas?s usually peaceful Chesammos race are in revolt. His lover is an Irenthi, Sylas's hated oppressors. And the shape-changers are caught in the middle of the conflict, wanting to support the Chesammos, yet in too vulnerable a position to challenge the Irenthi. Sylas will be seen as a traitor whatever he chooses: to his king; to his lover; to his people. As conflict approaches he must decide: Is he Chesammos or shape-changer, or will he take the third path and choose his Irenthi lover over everything? Crowchanger is the first novel about the bird-changers of Chandris. Volume 2, Stormweaver, will be published in late Spring/early Summer of 2014. Free ebook download available with each paperback.