Review: Salvation of the Nomad?
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 6, 2014
Call off the Search by Natasja Hellenthal is a fantasy novel that boldly goes where most works in the genre dare not tread. The author combines magic and mythology with aplomb while providing us with a unique allegory with its own distinct dialogue. The story unfolds along the Balla Mountains of the planet Bhan, where Sula meets Felix as he traverses the outskirts of his village. He and his kinsmen are on the lookout for Grobo, a giant who has been preying upon the locals. Sula makes peace with the giant and wins Felix's heart, though the question remains as to whether the alluring stranger will be able to assimilate into the mountain clan.The theme of miscegenation resonates throughout the novel as Felix learns that Sula is of a different race. The comyentis are clairvoyant halflings who possess a certain sexuality that Felix finds irresistible. His predicament is mirrored by that of Shazar, who encounters Ashanna while trying to restore young Twello to his parents. Shazar, also of the comyentis, discovers a Truthstone that reveals Twello's psychic energies. Realizing he is not alone, he eventually forsakes Ashanna upon learning of Sula. A romantic triangle develops as both Sula and Felix wonder whether or not she truly belongs with a companion of her own kind.The situation is exacerbated by the child of the mixed marriage, Fay, who is entirely unaware that her parents' marriage and her family situation is in danger. At first it seems to be of no concern to Felix as he perceives this as the natural order of things. Only his passion for his mate proves stronger than his sense of logic, and Sula seems torn by what seems natural and what she feels is right. Further complicating matters is Felix's sister Feline, who also harbors an unnatural lust for Sula. Both the humanoid Shazar and the perversions of Feline augur grave misfortune for Fay and her parents. Yet the question remains in the heart of Felix and the mind of the reader: was this race-mixing doomed before it started?Hellenthal provides us with an incisive fable that will doubtlessly provoke far more discussion and interpretation than any of the stock contributions to the genre we've seen in a long time. For a completely different spin in an exotic and defiantly brave new world, Call off the Search by Natasja Hellenthal is one you won't want to miss.(P.S. I received a free copy for review purposes.)