Zafiil: A Review By Kermit Grenoille

Zafiil: A Review By Kermit Grenoille

Every so often, I run across a book that speaks to me, on levels deeper than the surface storyline.  Stories that hold examples of humanity’s hope and hubris, of innocence and pride, of sin and redemption.  I’m not a fan of being preached at by my reading material, unless I specifically seek out something for this or that purpose, or for general edification.  Usually, I read fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, as sheer escapism and to enjoy a lovely story.

But every so often, I stumble across something that is More.  Something that tells a good story, provides escapism and a good time, yet still sneaks in references to Reality, that tear down, lift up, humble, and edify the reader.  Something that makes me aware of my own self, reflects my beliefs back at me, allows me to examine What Is, What Was, and What Should Be in my own life.

We all know the old adage of “the curtains are blue!”, and in this regard, one does not need to “get that something extra” out of Zafiil.  It’s a really good story on its own, and stands on its own merits that way without any reading-in assistance of viewer-dependent allegories.  Yet, when considering the possibility of allegories, I found something, several somethings, incredibly powerful layered into this book.

A little back story:  Back before Volume 1 was released, Maggie put up a few cover samples in a “back room author chat,” as she was getting ready to release this saga for sale.  I, at the time having no clue who she was, and being in that chat due to mutual friends, offered my opinion on which ones I liked best.  Others also commented, and ultimately the ones I liked were actually chosen.  Well.  I had said that those were the covers that made me want to pick the book up the most, so feeling dutiful, I bought them.  And promptly discovered that Zafiil, while perfectly capable of standing alone, takes place in a MUCH wider universe.  So I went back to the author, and asked for recommendations to read before tackling this epic.  I took the recommendations, devoured them, and then got distracted by other series for a year.  I only now came back to it, and realized that I had done MCA Hogarth, the story, and myself a disservice.

For a little background, Zafiil takes place in her wider “Peltedverse” setting, which is a futuristic science-fiction / science-fantasy universe.  Filling this universe are Mark One Humans, the “Pelted” – anthropomorphic animal people tracing lineage to humanity, and a couple of truly alien races.  Politics, spaceflight, and a rich and well developed history for this universe provide a backdrop for various stories, snippets, vignettes, and a couple epic sagas.  Zafiil herself is a member of one of those alien races, but I won’t go into detail here, so as to avoid true spoilers.

If you’re looking for a David Weber esque deep dive into technology and the mechanics of spaceflight, this isn’t the universe for you.  But if you like character-driven stories, written by someone with a deep understanding of Who People Are and How People Work, then it’s right up your alley.  From alien civilizations making first contact and all the problems that can accompany, to fireside cozy tales of characters dealing with daily life and the small dramas and worries we all have, there’s something for everyone who appreciates believable characters in the Peltedverse.

Against that setting, Zafiil tells the tale of one such alien civilization, and their own first contact with the greater universe.  The titular character, in fact, happens to be an ambassador, sent out in hopes of discovering alien life.  Fortunately – unfortunately – she finds it, and is nearly killed in the process.

The story goes on from there, following Zafiil as she travels across half a galactic arm, lands on multiple planets, listens to echoes of long gone interstellar wars and some more recent, sparks diplomatic tribulations, and inspires religious quandraries.among her own people and those she meets.  In the process, Zafiil discovers what she really is, but more importantly, who she is.  Meanwhile, the reader learns more about her people, the Faulfenza, about their faith, their history, and their innocence.  

Far from being preachy or message fiction oriented, any analogies or allegories made in the story run deep, and can be overlooked.  It can be read and enjoyed simply for what it is and appears to be on the surface.  But maybe, just maybe, the reader may see some reflections of themselves and the world we live in as well. 

A tale of innocence lost, of naivete shattered, of childhood departed.  A tale of loyalty proven, of faith regained, and hope for the future.  Zafiil is a masterpiece well worth the time – and tears – and laughter – involved in the reading.