Book Review by Teri O.
I haven’t read a whole lot of fantasy novels over the years, but of those that I have read, my favorites are The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon. So when I got around to reading The Canid Chronology during Christmas break, it had a high standard to live up to! Well, I’m pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic book. It’s full of colorful characters, wonderful settings, and epic adventures. I had so much fun reading it! The Canid Chronology was written by homeschooled author Angola Hone. This is his debut work! Read my review and then enter the giveaway for a free signed copy!
Description
Ashiy, a young redtail fox, has been raised in the remote smuggler’s den of Whim’s Haven. Hidden at the heart of a troll-infested forest, its population is full of ruffian raccoons, brigand bears, and snarl-toothed wolves. Ashiy dreams of seeing the wider world beyond its borders, but his mysterious elven godmother is determined to keep him close by her side. He knows she’s keeping secrets–about who she really is, and the past which left him an orphan.
Yet Ashiy discovers more than he bargained for after an illicit and violent encounter with one of animalkind’s oldest foes–man. It sets him on a perilous journey into the vast lands of Altharia, home to animals blessed with intelligence by the good Mistress above. Though Ashiy is at last free of Whim’s Haven, his adventure may prove more bittersweet than joyous. Shall he ever uncover the truths hidden away from him? And shall fate return him home the same fox he once was?
Review
The Canid Chronology Book One started out rather slow-paced but brimming with intricate detail to set the scene. Once the story got moving after the first couple of chapters, it was hard to put down. By the end of the book, I was literally jumping up from my chair and exclaiming out loud! And the Epilogue, oh man, it gave me chills!!!
The land of Altharia contains everything that a high fantasy world should have – including anthropomorphic animals, elves, trolls, reanimated corpses, an evil witch, and a castle – not to mention a long perilous journey, and a battle of good vs. evil. Oh, and yes there’s a little bit of magic and sorcery – poetry, too! The book even has a hand-drawn map on one page.
I have several passages bookmarked that I wanted to share with you…
I love the introduction of the elf and the red fox kit, with its nod to homeschooling in Chapter 2. “But unlike most slum toddlers, the child spoke as if educated, and, to the dismay of many swindling vendors, he could read. This talent was not lost on certain watchful animals. Most individuals in Whim’s [Haven] could not cipher for themselves and cornered the pup on several occasions to ask how he had learned. The child proved much more talkative than his reclusive caretaker, crediting her with teaching him” (p. 21).
The young fox’s elven godmother also tutors several other students among the Haven’s illiterate populace. The fox and the elf’s true relationship is a bit of a mystery, but she has always kept him close to make sure he stays safe. So he’s lived a sheltered life growing up in the medieval-style village of Whim’s Haven. Even though it’s inhabited by some unsavory characters, everyone there looks out for each other. Now that Ashiy’s a teenager, he’s kind of bored and has a rebellious streak. He’s an apprentice to a blacksmith, but he longs to go out and explore the world. All I can say is be careful what you wish for! Ashiy runs into trouble when he sneaks off into the nearby forest alone.
One thing that amazed me when reading this book, is how the author got into the animals’ mindset. Since his book is called The Canid Chronology, there are a lot of canines in the story – specifically wolves and foxes. Also there are other animals, such as bears and raccoons. So many of his descriptions have to do with scents and smells and tracking, which made it very realistic as if being told from their perspective. Imagine a land where chocolate is poison and felines are mortal enemies! Even casual remarks like “There’s a more important task at paw” (p. 60) instead of the standard phrase “task at hand” immerse us in an animal realm rather than a human world.
Not to say there aren’t any humans in the story because you’ll meet some eventually!
I enjoyed the section where raven bards – talented poet-singers – were telling tales around the campfire. I can totally picture ravens being dramatic like that. Oh, and I can’t forget Evok the elephant! At the beginning of Chapter 3, “Shimmering in chainmail, a mighty gray elephant stood on hind feet, planted behind a door-sized shield” (p. 33). Now that would be a sight to behold! The elephant seemed a bit out of place at first, but soon he becomes a beloved character in the story. Ashiy noticed that the elephant’s breath had “an odd smell of camphor” (p. 95), implying that he’d been eating the leaves and/or bark of a camphor tree. I love little details like that!
The author describes the forest and grasslands, the village and the castle, with all the rich detail that make you feel like they’re real places. “A few steps beyond the town’s borders left all sounds of civilization muted. A few more, and the sight of Whim’s Haven was swallowed by mossy trunks and waggling ferns. … Beyond them lay mountains which prodded heaven’s underbelly, rivers that whipped the earth like twisting lashes, cities whose noble masonry had witnessed centuries-worth of sieges, and, bards claimed, lands where islands were suspended in sky and cloud” (p. 24-25).
I also appreciate it when authors don’t take their stories too seriously and include a bit of humor, either as comic relief or just for fun. I couldn’t help but laugh at the part when the characters are walking alongside the road in the bushes in an effort to stay out of sight. “Why, more than suspicious, we’ll look like outright morons! Ashiy thought, trudging one moody step after another. Fighting our way through bracken or tripping over brush when there’s a perfectly paved road just a half-mile off!” (p. 133).
The whole time I was reading this book, I kept imagining that it would be a wonderful animated movie with its colorful characters, enchanting settings, and fascinating storyline. It has action, adventure, and animals. It portrays a bright sense of community, friendship, and loyalty. It also has dark themes of grief and loss. It’s a unique coming-of-age story told through the eyes of a young fox, who unexpectedly finds himself on an epic quest, and eventually becomes an underdog hero. But his journey isn’t over yet! As you can probably tell, I’m looking forward to the next book in The Canid Chronology!
Paperback: 280 pages
Reading age: 14-18 years
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
Buy on Amazon: CLICK HERE
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