When I get time I may just track the other books down. I'm about halfway through now and I like it more than the opening salvos, I'll post my thoughts once I've finished. Should be when the clock strikes 12 to hail in the New Year tonight.Oh, there are several characters (such as Erich) that are not at all likeable... but interesting. This is a novel that grows with re-readings (as does much of Leiber). Changewar, by the way, has a tale involving Greta's odd choice for a beau much more personally, as well as a quite lengthy tale involving Greta herself, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I....