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    Changes: Volume Three of the Collegium Chronicles
    Changes: Volume Three of the Collegium Chronicles
    Changes: Volume Three of the Collegium Chronicles
    Audiobook10 hours

    Changes: Volume Three of the Collegium Chronicles

    Written by Mercedes Lackey

    Narrated by Nick Podehl

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Mags was a Trainee in the Heraldic Collegium in Haven, Valdemar’s capital city. Though his background of poverty and abuse at Cole Pieters’ gem mine set him apart from most other trainees, nonetheless he had found his own group of friends. Bear, Lena, and Amily were all students whose situations in life set them apart from more usual Trainees. The four of them had found mutual support in their shared misfortunes, and together struggled to help one another find solutions to their individual problems.

    But Mags’ friendship with Amily brought him to the attention of the King’s Own. The seemingly immortal Companion Rolan had Chosen Nikolas to suit the specific needs of the current monarch, and those needs were for an agent who could collect information surreptitiously. Nikolas recognized the same traits in Mags that Rolan had recognized in him and because of Mags’ friendship with Amily, no one would think twice about seeing her overprotective father spending time with Amily’s “suitor.”

    So Mags began training as Nikolas’ partner. They worked in disguise at night with Mags as Nikolas’s deaf and mute helper, where his extensive knowledge of gems—especially his skill at separating the real from the fake—would be an added benefit. Hiding in the shadows behind the desk, pretending to neither hear nor speak, Mags could better “observe” the clients, and even the surrounding neighborhood. And Nikolas could send him out on “errands” to chase down leads.

    But this new job was far more dangerous than Mags had ever considered. For there were mysterious agents in the city—agents who sought to bring down the kingdom, and no one knew where they came from or who they worked for. They were smart, talented, and preternaturally fast. And most of all they were willing to do anything—anything—to bring Valdemar to ruin.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateOct 4, 2011
    ISBN9781423308133
    Changes: Volume Three of the Collegium Chronicles
    Author

    Mercedes Lackey

    Mercedes entered this world on June 24, 1950, in Chicago, had a normal childhood and graduated from Purdue University in 1972. During the late 70's she worked as an artist's model and then went into the computer programming field, ending up with American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to her fantasy writing, she has written lyrics for and recorded nearly fifty songs for Firebird Arts & Music, a small recording company specializing in science fiction folk music. Also known as Misty Lackey.

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    Reviews for Changes

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    256 ratings21 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Fabulous as always. Lackey never disappoints. Mags did it again
    • 4/5
      I'm not sure why I enjoy these books as much as I do, especially since Mags' way of speaking sometimes really irritates me, but maybe it's the part about the horse-like companions I like so much. The story is also set in a completely different world from that of most of the stories I read, so I enjoy the contrast. But, unlike some of the urban fantasy series I love, this is one that I prefer to read only occasionally, with fairly long stretches between each installment.
    • 3/5
      When I finished the second book to this series, Intrigues, I told myself I wasn’t going to continue with the series since there were so many other books that would be better, more Lackey books even that would be better, but when I saw this audio book on the library shelves I decided to get it on a spur of the moment decision. Then it sat on my desk for a month or so with me going back and forth trying to decide if I wanted to spend the ten hours listening to it. Obviously I made the choice to listen. I ended up wanting to know what happened. And I'll admit, the cover drew me in. And I suppose I don’t really regret listening to it. It’s not the best series from Lackey that I’ve read and will read, but it wasn’t totally horrible either. It was straight on the 3 star mark: okay. I’m not going to nitpick all that I didn’t like about the book. Suffice to say that I may end up reading the next book (I am assuming there will be another since not much was resolved here), but that I doubt it will go beyond a three star either.
    • 4/5
      A very good mixture of suspense and fantasy. A Valdemer tale that stands alone and is part of a group. Loyal friends, spies, magic, romance in the mix without explicit sex scenes.

      A very good mixture of suspense and fantasy. A Valdemer tale that stands alone and is part of a group. Loyal friends, spies, magic, romance in the mix without explicit sex scenes.
    • 5/5
      Can I have the next book now? I like that this isn't her usual trilogy, but ugh. I wanna know how it ends. I've missed series where a new Herald is Chosen and all their adventures after. Please write more Valdemar books taking places in those gaps, Mercedes Lackey. Totally want to know what else happened since the founding and after Vanyel.
    • 3/5
      This trilogy is set two generations after Vanyel’s life as the Collegium is being built to deal with the influx of new Heralds and the expansion of Valdemar’s size. Mags is a former slave, rescued from a terrible life in jewel mining, and has to learn to navigate his new status. It’s a lot about him getting cuddles and dealing with making friends; did not feel very high stakes.
    • 3/5
      The pacing of this series is seriously off.

      On some level, I feel like *this* was supposed to be book two. The same issues come up, but everyone deals with them the way they should have the last time around. Bear and Lena finally deal with some of their family issues. They fight some with both Mags and each other and don't say anything so horrible that anyone becomes suicidal. The Collegium discovers that there are agents from a foreign government at the Collegium and *doesn't* blame Mags and act like complete idiots. Why exactly did the last book exist if this one was going to do pretty much everything it did, but much better?

      I loved all the little historical bits that make it clear that this book is taking place after The Last Herald Mage (and not *just* because that might be my favorite Valdemar series). The Stone in the center of the table and the discussion of the web that binds Heralds and Companions are always intriguing to hear about in a post-Herald Mage Valdemar where magic has to be explained in other ways.

      Characterization is a bit of a mixed bag. I am still not going to forgive Lena and Bear for the mess they caused in the last book, even if it looks like Mags has forgotten it. I like Mags himself (except for the way he speaks. Dear Lord, that is hard to read.), though I can't really say why and am rather inclined to think it is just because he is doing interesting things and because Dallen likes him rather than for any character traits he actually has. I am getting really confused as to where on earth Master Soren and Lydia have been for two books now.

      There is still way too much Kirball.
    • 4/5
      Huh. An excellent story - lots of character development, in multiple directions (from romance, to dealing with parents); exciting events; direct and indirect action; and even some hints about magic...but it ends with more dead bad guys and still no answers! I was seriously surprised - this is the first Valdemar story that's gone past a trilogy. Well... Mage Winds and Mage Storms are two linked trilogys, with Elspeth as the protagonist for parts of Storms - this might be like that. But Changes doesn't have nearly as much of a conclusion, and I don't know who'd step in as a new protagonist.... Dunno. I definitely want to read the next one, though!
    • 2/5
      I intended to buy this, but when I discovered that the library had it, I decided to borrow it instead. I am glad I did. This book… it wasn’t good, but it wasn’t bad either. One reason could be that I thought it was the final book in the triology, which meant that I expected more action. Judging from the loose plot threads at the end, I suspect that there is at least one more book in the series. A lot of things happens, both to Mags, Amity, Lena and Bear. It was interesting to follow Mags gradual realization about the kind of Herald he will be, and his wrangling with the ethics of the decisions he has to make. What I regret in this book, is that it is solely focused on Mags because a lot of the subplots circle around his friends. It would have been nice to follow them too, instead of hearing second hand what had happened to them.
      The thing that annoyed me most, is the dialect that Mag’s speak. It is one of my pet peeves when characters speaks dialects. Yes, I understand why, but I still don’t like it.
      So will I buy it when it is out in paperback? I am not sure. Maybe. And that’s a big Maybe.
    • 3/5
      It was ok. I don't know if it's me, or what, but I'm just not enjoying the Valdemar books as much as I did. The first of this series I found really good, but after that I've felt like I'm reading the same book over and over again.
    • 3/5
      I have been disappointed with the Collegium Chronicles, but I found Changes totally inoffensive. It's got a detectable plot, no major irritations, and is fairly charming in general. I'm still convinced that this is the Harry Potter version of Valdemar (there are several things that are weirdly inconsistent with the rest of the series) but it was fine.
    • 3/5
      This review has been crossposted from my blog Review from Rose's Book Reviews Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me.

      Mags is moving up in the world. He is apprenticed to the King's Own, and seems to be getting somewhere with catching up on his studies. Of course, that all comes crashing down as the Colligium heats up for the summer. I found it to be disappointing, but feel free to come to your own opinions.

      This novel initially focuses on Kirball, which is something I actually enjoy. It's good to see the Greys doing something other than book work! It wraps up nicely after the previous book, where Dallen has been injured and is unable to play. The novel quickly progresses to using Mags' talents at analyzing 'sparklies'. The novel's progression again reminds me of 'Take a Thief', but it's still nice to get some insight into the beginnings of the Collegium.

      What was disappointing was that I knew how to pairings would work Bear and Lena, Mags and Amily. It was just a little too clear cut and obvious. I always thought I knew that Amily would end up being the Herald Chronicler - how could she not? The Dean of Heralds is going on about how his office is full of books, and the archives are poor, so there is a place for her, crippled as she is. I'm somewhat disappointed that the novel isn't conclusive like I had hoped - it's not a trilogy at all! It lied to me!

      The novel doesn't seem to have any relation to 'Changes' that I can see. I'm feeling very disillusioned abotu it at the moment, it's just not as good as other Valdemar novels I have read by her. I was looking forward to reading it, and reaching a conclusion. Oh Lackey, why did you have to trade from your trilogies? I feel like the action in the second book could have been condensed more, and I could have had more meat in the second!

      Another problem I have is that there are multiple typos in it. It feels rushed. Maybe Lackey or her editor didn't reread her work? There's one spot where it reads 'Hera;ds'. It's such an easy mistake to fix!

      If you're a hard-core Lackey fan, it's worth reading. If you're looking for something to introduce you into her finest work, this isn't it. Please, if you read this set of books, and find you hate them, please don't give up on Lackey. I promise there are other books by her out there that are so much better. It was ok to read, it did grab me, but it just wasn't satisfying. Lackey, I'm disappointed.
    • 3/5
      The third installment of the Collegium Chronicles finds Mags and his friends embroiled (and broiling in the heat of summer) in the ongoing intrigue of family dramas and young romance while still attempting to track down the mysterious strangers threatening Valdemar. More kirball, more chases across the rooftops, more quaint countryside accented vernacular... Borrow, unless you need to buy this one to round out the trilogy.
    • 4/5
      Mags and his friends are coming into their own -- growing up and learning to use their brains and powers. And becoming more than just friends, some of them. A very interesting read, couldn't put it down. The Karsites are at it again, this time with long range planning, terrorist style tactics that target those at the center of power. But a central question is still left hanging. Just who are Mags parents? Is that ever going to be answered?
    • 4/5
      This is the third of Mags's adventures, as told in the Collegium Chronicles (so called because it opened at the time the Bardic, Healing and Heraldic colleges of Valdemar were being built). I assumed this would be a trilogy, but I see mention of a fourth book.Mags (Magpie), rescued from being a mine slave, and having gone through adventures in the first two books, continues his training as a Herald, including secret training as a spy on behalf of the crown. The assassins of the second story, [Intrigues], have been foiled, but the Valdemarans have not managed to find out why they attacked, or whom they were sent by. Mags is given a cover identity, to work down in the city of Haven to find and follow the assassins' trail. Meanwhile, back at the collegia, Mags is told to start forming his own coterie of useful people that he trusts, and so he lets his friends into his secret. The game of kirball, and interest in it, continues to grow (although, offhand, I don't remember it featuring in other Valdemar chronicles).This Valdemar book was as nicely written as usual. The plot, re the assassins, didn't advance much, but there was a lot of detail about Mags's life and progress through the college, and his friendships.Unfortunately, his quirks of speech were still in evidence, and he developed new ones - which didn't go unnoticed by the people around him. Another thing people in the story noticed, but put up with, was that certain of his friends became a bit self-absorbed and whiney. Maybe we could have done with a little less detail on those points.Overall, though, this book was light, but engaging and fun to read. I shall look out for the next instalment on the library shelves.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this one. If you can get past the main character's accent, the read is good. I like the way it fills in the past of Valdemar. It's good to see how things at the Collegium were established. For most fans of Valdemar, this is a good addition to the world.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed this last installment of the Collegium Chronicles. The plot was much more interesting than the last installment, and there was genuine tension regarding the fate of the various characters. I always enjoy a trip into Valdemar, but I'll be glad to see the last of Mags' dialect!
    • 4/5
      This was a good addition to the Collegium Chronicles. It was good to see Bear, Lena and Mags developing into their adult roles. Both Bear and Lena have parent problems and seem to get a handle on them in this volume. Bear's healer family can't understand how he can be a healer without the healing gift even though he has proved his abilities to those in Collegium. Lena has to deal with a father who is so self-centered that his only goal in life is to do what is necessary for himself to remain center stage. Lena finally decides that there is no way that she can ever gain his attention and approval and learns to stand up for herself.Mags is the main character in this series. His problem is not family-centered. Although he would like to know about his parents and heritage because some of the bad guys seem to know more about him than he does himself. The bad guys are determined to destabilize Valdemar by killing the king and discrediting the heralds. Mags isn't about to let that happen no matter the cost to himself.Mags grows to realize that his place is as a spy for Valdemar. He won't be one of those heralds parading around in their whites and telling the laws. He knows that his mindspeaking gifts make him really suitable for a career as a spy as does his temperament. He is determined to protect Valdemar and his friends.The one part of this story that I had some trouble with was the fact the Mags speaks in a dialect that must be as hard for Lackey to write as it is for me to read. For example: "I was hopin' ye could git me through them County Graces horsecrap wi'out hevin' t' strain m'skull." What made it most annoying for me is that he can speak with letter-perfect grammar and diction but is retaining the dialect to develop his persona as a "thick-as-a-brick games-player."I recommend this volume to those who have read the first two. I recommend all three books to those, like me, who are fans of Valdemar and wonder about the early days of the kingdom.
    • 4/5
      This is not my favorite Valdemar book. I think the plot is an improvement over Intrigues (Book 2). However, it lacks the depth and quality of the earlier Valdemar books. But it was still exactly what I wanted from it - an enjoyable, fun read. The one thing that really did drive me nuts was Mags' accent. It felt like it became more and more pronounced over the course of the book, to the point that it became difficult at times to decipher what he was saying or thinking. I had expected this to be the conclusion of a trilogy, since that is the format of the other Valdemar series. But the storyline is left open enough to allow for more books about Mags, Bear, Lena and Amily. I'd be happy to read more if only Lackey will please ease up on the accent for Mags! It really does detract from the rest of the book.
    • 4/5
      Mags is finding is future as a spy, as his friends try to find their ways out from under their fathers. The threat continues, with new assassins to hunt down.I had been assuming this was a trilogy, but now I'm not so sure. It wraps up reasonably neatly, but there's certainly room for more in this time-frame.
    • 2/5
      I wondered at times reading this if Mercedes Lackey has gotten so much worse, or it's just my tastes have changed this much since she thrilled me in my early twenties with her tales of Valdemar, with its sentient "companions"--horse-shaped magical beings who partner "heralds" who help police, defend and act as judges for the kingdom. But no, it wasn't that long ago I did a reread of Valdemar, and the earlier ones, especially the books with Vanyel and Talia, were still great comfort reads for me I loved immersing myself in, and not just for nostalgic reasons. I felt Lackey jumped the shark over a decade ago (with Exile's Honor) and phones these in now, yet I did like the first two volumes of the Collegium Chronicles series, Foundation and Intrigues, quite a bit more than this one.It didn't begin well. An entire first chapter of a game of Kirball, and let me tell you, it ain't Qudditch. Of course, I'm not one to tolerate even ordinary spectator sports, but really. No. Just no. Much too much Kirball in this book. But that wasn't the worst. I was tempted to rate this even lower than I have, and the reason really is Mags. Mags is the protagonist and main point of view character of this series. He's very close in character to Skif of the first Valdemar books. He's an orphan who was saved from crushing poverty when he was "chosen" to be a herald by his companion Dallen, and he's helping the kingdom even as a trainee by using the seamier side of his background undercover. However, Skif at least wasn't made to think and speak this way: "Tis like mebbe when 'e was s'posed t'be hangin' 'bout th' others, but whatever made th' furst mad sent 'im mad too." This style of writing with its elisions, apostrophes and deliberate misspellings nearly drove me mad, and I found myself skipping and skimming over any passages where Mags would speak or think in this style--which was very, very frequently. Are there some good things about this novel that I suffered to the end? Sure. I do like how through Mag's friends Bear the Healer-trainee, Lena the Bard-trainee and Amily--love interest and daughter of the "King's Own"--Lackey gives us a wider look at the collegium than just through the eyes of the Heralds. The friendship between them was a particular highlight of the last book. But I'm scratching my head in vain trying to think of a way this novel distinguishes itself from other books set in Valdemar other than Mags incredibly annoying patois. And given the book ends with several unanswered questions, I don't think Lackey is done with Mags, though I suspect I may be done with him after this one.