The Hyena and the Hawk by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Buy from: Amazon UK
Buy from: Amazon USA
Buy from: eBay
Buy from Bookshop.org indie booksellers
Buy from: Blackwells UK
Buy from: Google Play E-book Store
SFcrowsnest readers, gather round. Fasten your seat belts, or should I say, saddle your mythical beasts, for Adrian Tchaikovsky's "The Hyena and the Hawk". A fantastical joyride that makes for an engaging read as it delves into the world of shape-shifting tribes and political intrigue.
Tchaikovsky, the reigning monarch of the anthropomorphic kingdom, has once again dusted off his magical quill to bring us the third installment in the 'Echoes of the Fall' series. Here, we continue our journey with Maniye Many Tracks, our heroine who has the enviable (or not, depending on who you ask) ability to transform into both a wolf and a tiger. Because why settle for one when you can be both?
Joining her on this odyssey is a merry band of shape-shifters, including an owl who's far too wise for his feathers, a snake with trust issues, and a bear with a heart as tender as his physique is imposing. And then there are the eponymous Hyena and Hawk, who are as intriguing as their names suggest.
The plot takes us on a whirlwind tour through a land teeming with tribal politics, ancient prophecies, and the ever-present threat of war. It's like a high-stakes game of chess, only the pieces transform into ferocious animals when they capture each other.
Now, let's address the elephant (or should I say hyena and hawk?) in the room: the pacing. If you're expecting a Usain Bolt-style sprint to the finish line, you may be in for a disappointment. The story unfolds at a leisurely stroll, akin to a Sunday afternoon walk in the park, complete with pauses to admire the scenery. But fear not. Tchaikovsky is a master at weaving a narrative that keeps you hooked, even as the plot ambles along.
Where the book truly shines is in its richly detailed world-building and its exploration of identity and belonging. The characters aren't just battling external threats; they're also grappling with their personal demons and insecurities. It's like a therapy session, but with occasional transformations into predatory animals.
Tchaikovsky's prose is like a well-cooked stew - hearty, comforting, and just exotic enough to keep things interesting. It wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold winter's night, pulling you into the story until you forget that you're reading a book and not, in fact, roaming the wilderness with a band of shape-shifters.
In conclusion, "The Hyena and the Hawk" is a delightful romp through a wonderfully unique fantasy landscape. It's the kind of book that makes you look at your pet and feel a twinge of disappointment when they don't morph into a legendary creature. So grab your copy, find a cozy corner, and get ready to be transported into a world where the line between man and beast is delightfully blurred.