Kynship by Daniel Heath Justice

Daniel Heath Justice's Kynship blends mythic traditions of North American natives and medieval Europeans in a magical re-telling of the archetypal conflict between those who belong to the land and the avaricious rapine of invaders. The story plays out against a cultural mosaic complex enough to cover the problems of half-breeds and misfits as well as each culture's exemplars. Told from multiple points of view, the first book of this three part series succeeds in making readers care about the characters, particularly the cheerful and self-assured "pixie" (Tetawi), Tobhi, who becomes an emotional focus for many of the large cast of colourful characters. I was fortunate to have this book brought to my attention by Renee K. Abram, the Publishing Coordinator its publisher, Kegedonce Press, and to get a sneak peek at book two in the series, as well. I recommend it to readers who like their good and evil well defined but human enough to entertain, and all who have longed to cheer for nature and the bonds of community in the struggle against an alienating and avaricious lust for progress that is really all about amassing power. The sensory stalks of the 3-gendered Kyn, interspersed histories of the gods, many races of unhumans, charming illustrations of the characters throughout the book, unexpected connections between characters, handy glossary and many other details and touches contribute to the story's richness and originality.