The Sheynan Trilogy

Seattle computer programmer Darien Yost unexpectedly gains shape-shifting abilities in this imaginative but disappointing urban fantasy trilogy. In “The Shadow Chaser,” Darien learns that he is a Sheynan, a being who can shift into any animal. This powerful ability soon has both the sinister Shadows and the Arm of Gaia fighting to exploit him for their own ends. In “The Bringer of War,” Darien flees to Texas with his girlfriend, Susan, and Richard, a former Marine. They encounter Bridget, another Sheynan suffering from a shape-shifter disease, who convinces Darien to help her steal ritual books that can cure her. In “The Torn Soul,” Darien and Susan return to Washington state, where a shady government agency promises Darien a lucrative job if he will consent to be examined. Along the way, Darien enters the dream world, where he recruits helpers. The reader, like Darien, never knows whom to trust. Intricate battle scenes involving shape-shifting wolves, bears, hawks, and pythons propel the action. Unfortunately, the trilogy conspicuously lacks any rules or explanation for the shape-shifting, the prose frequently stumbles, and several intriguing plot threads are left to dangle. (Sept.)