A review by venusbloo
Changes by Mercedes Lackey

adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 
**Warning!  This post may contain spoilers for the previous books in the Collegium Chronicles.  Read at your own risk!** 
 
Changes by Mercedes Lackey is the third installment in the Collegium Chronicles which takes place in the world of Valdemar.  Mags, the orphan and former mine slave, has finally become comfortable with his place in Haven and at the Collegium as a Heraldric Trainee.  He has made a few close friends in Bear, the Healer Trainee, and Lena, the Bardic Trainee, and he even has a sweetheart in Amily, the King's Own's daughter.  Between these friends and his teammates on the Kirball team, Mags feels like he's finally fitting in and proving himself to everyone up on the hill. 
 
Mags has even started more serious training with Nikolas, the King's Own, in spy craft.  Together they take on the role of a pawn shop fence and his deaf, mute son down in the poorer parts of Haven.  This soon leads to the discovery that the mysterious assassin's from last year haven't left Haven after all.  In fact, they discover a new pair of assassin's even more skilled than the first group have come to town, and they appear to have informants from inside the palace itself!  Mags must do his best to help avert disaster once again, and he must save someone dear to him from the machinations of the assassin's plans. 
 
One of the things I enjoy the most about every book in the Collegium Chronicles is that while they have a real problem that needs to be solved in each book, that isn't what the whole book is about.  Generally, the first half of each book reads almost like a slice-of-life fantasy in Valdemar.  Mags goes about his day learning and training, but he also plays in Kirball games and helps his friends Bear and Lena.  He also spends time with Amily in the Herald Archives helping get them organized. It's just relaxing to read about. 
 
Also, this particular book is a turning point for Mags, Bear, and Lena.  Mags finally begins working as Nikolas's partner, and he realizes that this is the kind of Herald he will be.  Mags will eventually take over for Nikolas and help keep information flowing to protect the kingdom.  His Gift of Mindspeech is so strong that he is able to be very helpful in spying for the Crown.  Mags is also learning how to take on different personas to be able to insert himself anywhere to learn what he can about internal conflict as well.  
 
Meanwhile, Bear is planning a big operation that will, hopefully, prove to his father and family that he is worthy.  Bear's family, especially his father, firmly believe that Bear should go home and get married in the hopes of producing children with the Healing Gift that Bear himself lacks.  Bear's father doesn't think Bear's genius with healing herbs is anything better than what a horse doctor could provide.  However, the members of the Healer's Circle believe in Bear, which is why he's put in charge of figuring out everything needed to attempt the fix Amily's lame leg.  It's an important operation, that if successful, not only will Amily no longer need to rely on others but also prove to Bear that he can be a successful Healer without a Gift. 
 
Finally, Lena's father, the famous Bard Marchand, is still skulking around the Palace causing trouble.  He's taken on a protégé, which is difficult for Lena.  Marchand barely acknowledges Lena unless he needs to use her to get close to someone like Mags, and Lena finally goes to Mags for advice.  She decides to be nice to the protégé, which turns out to be the correct choice.  Lena also manages to uncover some skeletons in her father's closet that get him in trouble with the Bardic Circle.  It turns out Bard Marchand barely deserves the title, and Lena is able to let go of her need to be accepted by him. 
 
The final conflict and its resolution in this book is equal parts thrilling and satisfying.  To avoid spoilers, I'll just say someone important is kidnapped by the assassin's.  They almost manage to fulfill their goal in destabilizing Valdemar with this kidnapping, and it takes all of Mags's resources to fix it.  The most satisfying part, though, was the revelation of who the informants inside the Palace ended up being.  Let's just say some people who deserved a bad turn got what was coming to them! 
 
It's easy to see why I love these books so much.  I've re-read them so many times now, but I still enjoy them every time I do.  The fantasy elements aren't so glaring that they are unbelievable either.  It's like reading a story about people living in another country that just happens to have magical elements to it.  I love reading about Mags and his friends, and I can't wait to get to more of the series. 
 
I gave Changes by Mercedes Lackey four out of five stars.  Once again, Lackey manages to craft a story filled with magic, friendship, and perseverance.  Mags and his friends each tackle their problems head on in this book, and once again, Mags becomes a hero.  For someone who doesn't seek out attention he sure manages to stand in the spotlight quite often.  Luckily, he doesn't let it go to his head.  Anyone who enjoyed the first two books of this series will also enjoy this one, and I think everyone should give the Collegium Chronicles a try.